The world’s largest container shipping company, Maersk has confirmed that it will launch a carbon-neutral vessel by 2023, seven years ahead of schedule.
The Danish company aims to become the world’s first carbon neutral liner in operation by 2023 and by 2050, it aims to have net zero CO2 emissions.
It said that the carbon-neutral vessel, which would be capable of carrying 2,000 20-foot containers, will be powered by either carbon neutral e-methanol or sustainable bio-methanol, although it will still be able to run on standard very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) if required.
“A.P. Moller – Maersk’s ambition is to lead the way in decarbonising global logistics. Our customers expect us to help them decarbonise their global supply chains, and we are embracing the challenge, working on solving the practical, technical and safety challenges inherent in the carbon neutral fuels we need in the future. Our ambition to have a carbon neutral fleet by 2050 was a moonshot when we announced in 2018. Today we see it as a challenging, yet achievable target to reach,” said Søren Skou, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk.
“It’s an important step. It’s the vessel that will show the world it can be done, it’s the vessel that will kickstart a market for these fuels . . . Our customers expect us to solve this for them,” Morten Bo Christiansen, Maersk’s head of decarbonisation, told the Financial Times.
The shipping industry is one of the most difficult to decarbonize. This is due to the fact that electric batteries cannot be used to power such vessels as they are required to travel thousands of kilometres without stopping.
In the light of such facts, the announcement made by Maersk becomes even more significant.
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