Danish shipping and logistics giant Maersk has officially named its latest methanol dual-fuel container vessel, Albert Maersk, during a ceremony in Mumbai on February 28, marking the first-ever vessel naming event by a foreign shipping company in India. The 16,592 TEU vessel, built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, is part of Maersk’s ambitious fleet expansion, which includes 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels set for delivery between 2024 and 2025. Albert Maersk is the eleventh vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of running on methanol, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping.

India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating, “This event is more than a tradition; it is a symbol of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. As demand for green vessels grows, India is poised to become a key producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based fuels.” He also welcomed Maersk’s increasing involvement in India’s green fuel production and sustainable maritime initiatives.

Maersk has a significant presence in India, with two APM Terminals operations in Mumbai and Pipavav, facilitating the movement of over three million containers annually. The company also operates 26 warehouses across 350,000 square meters and has a vast distribution network covering more than 80% of India’s pin codes. Alongside the vessel naming, Maersk announced a $5 billion investment pipeline aimed at developing ports, terminals, and landside infrastructure in India.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, emphasized the importance of this milestone in Maersk’s decarbonization journey: “With the addition of another dual-fuel vessel, we continue to take decisive steps toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. India’s rapid economic growth and expanding trade make shipping and logistics a priority, and we look forward to exploring new partnerships in alternative fuel sourcing, shipbuilding, and ship repair.”

As part of its commitment to green shipping, Maersk is actively urging the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to implement regulations that support a multi-fuel future for shipping and close the cost gap between fossil fuels and cleaner alternatives. To accelerate this transition, Maersk has recently placed orders with Chinese and South Korean shipyards for 20 dual-fuel container vessels, ranging in capacity from 9,000 to 17,000 TEU, with deliveries scheduled through 2030.

The delivery of these dual-fuel vessels marks a crucial step toward Maersk’s sustainability goals, positioning the company at the forefront of the maritime industry's shift to greener fuels.