A major step towards a sustainable shipping future, Ellen marks Maersk’s commitment to alternative fuels
In a significant stride towards a more sustainable maritime industry, Maersk’s container ship “Ellen” has successfully bunkered green methanol at Rotterdam’s APMT 2 port. This groundbreaking initiative represents a pivotal moment in Maersk’s journey towards cleaner and greener shipping practices.
The Vessel and Its Journey
“Ellen,” a 2,100 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Unit) container ship, was constructed at Hyundai Mipo in Ulsan, South Korea, and joined Maersk’s fleet in June 2023. Arriving at the Rotterdam port on August 28, 2023, Ellen was prepared to make history.
Green Methanol for a Greener Tomorrow
The green methanol used to fuel Ellen was supplied by the Dutch company OCI and is a product of biogas captured from landfills. This innovative and sustainable source of methanol underscores the commitment to environmentally friendly alternatives within the shipping industry.
A Flexible and Sustainable Solution
Ellen is slated for deployment between Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea. The vessel will predominantly run on methanol, positioning it as an eco-friendly choice for sustainable shipping. Furthermore, it has the capability to switch to low-sulfur fuel oil when required, ensuring flexibility in its operations.
Maersk’s Bold Commitment
This move towards green methanol on Ellen is not an isolated endeavor; it serves as a stepping stone towards a much larger order of methanol-powered vessels, a remarkable commitment by Maersk. In 2021 and 2022, Maersk ordered 18 container ships, also from Hyundai, boasting capacities of around 16,000 TEUs, destined for the Asia-Europe route. These vessels are scheduled to become operational in 2024 and 2025, underlining Maersk’s dedication to alternative fuels and environmental sustainability.
A Cleaner, Greener Shipping Industry
The utilization of green methanol on Ellen marks a significant leap forward for the shipping industry. Methanol is known for being a cleaner-burning fuel compared to traditional marine fuels, offering the potential to significantly reduce emissions from shipping activities. The utilization of green methanol, produced from renewable sources like biogas, further enhances its environmental benefits.
Maersk’s substantial order of methanol-powered container ships is not just a business decision; it’s a commitment to combating climate change and embracing a more sustainable future. This progressive move underscores the shipping industry’s recognition of the pressing need to adopt cleaner fuels and greener practices, thereby contributing to a healthier planet for generations to come.
As Ellen sails the seas powered by green methanol, it carries the hopes of an industry that is rapidly evolving towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
