Maersk has set a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across all its operations and has also set tangible and ambitious short-term targets for 2030
Yokohama – During a ceremony held in Yokohama (Japan), the world’s second large container ship capable of running on methanol has been named “Astrid Maersk”. The vessel is part of a series of 18 large sisterships scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. The new vessels are expected to significantly contribute to Maersk’s net zero targets and support customers in achieving their decarbonisation goals.
“We are very pleased to welcome ‘Astrid Maersk’ in our new fleet capable of sailing on green methanol. With this ship and her sister ships, Maersk is taking important steps on the path towards the energy transition of maritime transport. But to maintain this momentum, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) needs to establish global standards that reduce the price gap between fossil and green fuels to ensure a level playing field,” said Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk.
For his part, Toru Nishiyama, CEO of Maersk Northeast Asia, said: “Yokohama has held a special place in Maersk’s history since the first ship called at Yokohama Port a century ago. Today’s ceremony symbolizes our long-standing relationship with Yokohama and Japan as a whole.”
The naming ceremony took place at the Daikoku Pier cruise terminal in Yokohama. Maersk has set a target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across all its operations and has also set tangible and ambitious near-term targets for 2030 to ensure significant progress. The company will equip 25 of its container ships with dual-fuel engines able to sail on eco-friendly methanol.
These vessels include the feeder vessel”Laura Maersk“, used in intra-European traffic since September 2023, and the “Ane Maersk”, a 16,000 TEU container ship powered by green fuel, used on the Asia-Europe route since January 2024.
