A.P. Moller – Maersk celebrated a significant milestone today with the naming ceremony of its latest dual-fuel methanol container vessel, Alexandra Maersk, at the Port of Felixstowe, England. This impressive 16,000 TEU vessel marks the fifth in the company’s series of dual-fuel methanol ships and the sixth introduced to the Maersk fleet in just over a year.
During the ceremony, UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s a privilege to join the naming ceremony for the Alexandra Maersk – one of the first container vessels to run on green methanol. This innovation is essential for delivering a greener, cleaner maritime sector that benefits both people and the planet.”
Alexandra Maersk follows her sister ships, including Ane Maersk, which was named in January, and Astrid Maersk, launched in April. The naming convention pays homage to the company’s heritage, as Alexandra Maersk is named after Alexandra Mærsk-Møller, the sister of the founder A.P. Møller.
These new methanol-enabled vessels are central to Maersk’s ambitious decarbonisation strategy, as low-emission methanol can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 65 to 90 percent compared to traditional fossil fuels. However, Maersk faces ongoing challenges in establishing a robust methanol supply to support its expanding fleet.
The company has ordered a total of 12 methanol vessels from HD Hyundai in South Korea, each with a 16,000 TEU capacity, alongside additional orders for 17,000 TEU and smaller 9,000 TEU dual-fuel vessels. Additionally, the recent participation of Alette Maersk in Japan’s first methanol bunkering simulation highlights Maersk’s commitment to developing methanol bunkering solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable shipping industry.
