Maersk names 11th dual-fuel methanol vessel Albert Maersk in Mumbai

Maersk named its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel in Mumbai today as a part of the vessel’s maiden voyage to India.

The vessel, named Albert Maersk, is the eleventh vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol, says an official release.

Vincent Clerc, CEO, Maersk, hosted the name-giving ceremony, which was attended by Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Raksha Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, diplomats, government authorities, customers, partners and Maersk employees.

"It is a privilege for India to host the naming of this advanced dual-fuel vessel, a historic first for a foreign shipping company in our country," Sononwal said. "With the demand for green vessels rising, India has the potential to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia and hydrogen-based fuels. Maersk’s decision to focus on green fuel production in India is a welcome step that will accelerate our journey towards a sustainable maritime future. This vessel naming is more than just a tradition—it is a symbol of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. As India moves towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse, we welcome Maersk’s continued partnership in green shipping, green fuel production, and logistics."

Clerc added: "Maersk continues to take firm steps towards decarbonising shipping with the addition of one more dual-fuel vessel to its fleet. India is among the world's fastest-growing major economies, with a thriving manufacturing sector, a booming e-commerce industry and expanding exports. Shipping and logistics are high on India’s priorities, and Maersk looks forward to partnering with India on various aspects, such as exploring the potential sourcing of alternative fuels for low-emissions shipping and activities involving ship repairs and shipbuilding in the future that align well with the Indian Government’s ambitions to promote the shipping sector."

Clerc also announced Maersk planning investments of $5 billion in India in ports and terminals as well as landside infrastructure development.

"The company’s footprint in India includes two APM Terminals operations in Mumbai and Pipavav that facilitate the import and export of over three million containers every year, 26 warehouses spread across 350,000 sq. m., and a distribution network that reaches more than 80 percent of India's pin codes."

Keith Svendsen, CEO, APM Terminals said: "We believe we can play a role in reducing the cost of logistics by ensuring that our customers access all their supply chain needs in one place – from all modes of transportation to port handling to warehousing and distribution. As APM Terminals, we are ready to invest more in developing ports with low emissions and great efficiency that will help businesses grow and connect India with the global markets."

APM Terminals is planning to invest around $2 billion for the expansion and renewal of the Pipavav Port contract that expires in 2028, Svendsen added.

"Albert Maersk is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the vessel can carry 16,592 TEUs. The delivery of the dual-fuel fleet is a significant component of Maersk’s decarbonisation goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. Bio- and e-methanol can reduce GHG emissions by at least 65 percent compared to conventional fossil fuels such as bunker oil (depending on the feedstock and production process of the methanol, calculated on a life cycle basis).

“With the vessel technologies available, Maersk has been urging the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states to adopt strong regulations to push the industry forward towards its climate targets. Maersk believes it is critically important that IMO regulation is fuel-agnostic, allowing for a multi-fuel future for shipping as well as making the low-emission transport choice viable and competitive by closing the price gap between fossil and alternative fuels."