The first methanol-powered feeder vessel built for Maersk has been launched at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea. The ship is Maersk’s first carbon neutral vessel and it will enter operations in summer 2023.
Ordered in 2021, the vessel is a key part of Maersk’s decarbonization strategy as it seeks to become net zero by 2040. Maersk plans to operate the vessel from day one using carbon-neutral e-methanol or sustainable bio-methanol, despite the ship being capable of using standard VLSFO. The vessel’s main and auxiliary engines can also operate on green methanol.
MAN Energy Solutions and Hyundai Engine and Machinery, alongside Hyundai Mipo and Maersk, worked together on the development of the methanol propulsion configuration for the feeder vessel. Hyundai Engine and Machinery supplied the main engine and Himsen supplied the auxiliary engine.
“The launching was successfully completed at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and the construction is continuing,” Henrik Ekmann, head of new-building and retrofit, Maersk. “Launching these mega structures takes precision and care, extensive product and design development from a large number of key suppliers and driven forward by our Procurement and Fleet Technology teams.”