In a ceremony held in Yokohama, Japan today, 5 April the world’s second
large methanol-enabled container vessel was named “Astrid Mærsk”. Mrs. Liza Uchida, spouse of Nissan CEO
Makoto Uchida served as godmother and christened the vessel.
“Astrid Mærsk” is the second of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled
vessels, scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. This new fleet series is
expected to significantly contribute to Maersk’s net-zero targets and support
customers in achieving their decarbonization goals.
To enable green supply chains and accelerate shipping’s move towards
net-zero emissions, continuous courageous action by dedicated customers like
Nissan, industry peers, and suppliers is essential. Importantly, to maintain
momentum, there is a need for global regulations from the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) to close the price gap between fossil and green
fuels to secure a level playing field,” says Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive
Officer of A.P. Moller – Maersk
“The name giving ceremony took place in Daikoku Pier Cruise Terminal in
Yokohama city, where public audience could also register and get onboard for a
vessel visit.
As we embark on our ‘All the Way to Zero’ journey, the support and
partnership of the Japanese community are invaluable. We will continue to
prioritize our efforts to minimize the environmental and climate impact of our
activities while fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region,” says
Toru Nishiyama, Managing Director of Maersk Northeast Asia.
Maersk has set a
science-based Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions target for 2040 across the
entire business and has also established tangible and ambitious near-term targets for
2030 to ensure significant progress. The company will equip 25 of its container
vessels with dual-fuel engines capable of sailing on green methanol. Among
these vessels are the feeder vessel “Laura Mærsk”, deployed in the intra-Europe
trade in September 2023, and “Ane Mærsk”, a large 16,000 TEU green fuel-powered
container vessel deployed in the Asia-Europe trade in January 2024.
Maersk collaborative approach with the City of Yokohama is dedicated to
the development of a green methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama,
further solidifying Maersk’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting
eco-friendly practices within the maritime industry.