A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) will introduce the first in a “groundbreaking” series of eight large ocean-going container vessels capable of being operated on carbon neutral methanol in Q1 2024.

The carrier said in a press release the vessels will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and have a nominal capacity of approximately 16,000 TEU.

The agreement with HHI includes an option for 4 additional vessels in 2025. The series will replace older vessels, generating annual CO2 emissions savings of around 1 million tonnes. As an industry first, the vessels will offer Maersk customers truly carbon neutral transportation at scale on the high seas.

The vessels come with a dual fuel engine setup. Additional capital expenditure (CAPEX) for the dual fuel capability, which enables operation on methanol as well as conventional low Sulphur fuel, will be in the range of 10-15% of the total price, it explained.

This will enable Maersk to take a significant leap forward in its commitment to scale carbon neutral solutions and lead the decarbonisation of container logistics.

Soren Skou, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk, said, “The time to act is now, if we are to solve shipping’s climate challenge.

“This order proves that carbon neutral solutions are available today across container vessel segments and that Maersk stands committed to the growing number of our customers who look to decarbonise their supply chains.

“Further, this is a firm signal to fuel producers that sizable market demand for the green fuels of the future is emerging at speed.”