Ian TaylorMaersk has announced today (10 April) that its new methanol-enabled vessel Astrid Mærsk has berthed at Yangshan port in Shanghai in order to receive fuel in what the company hails as ‘the first green methanol bunkering with simultaneous cargo and bunkering operations in China’.
The Danish shipping giant added that: ‘This historic first in China was made possible in partnership with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG).’
Maersk’s Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clerc commented: ‘As we continue to pioneer sustainable practices, the deployment of large methanol-enabled vessels in the Asia-Europe trade showcases both rich heritage and the beginning of an exciting new era based on strong partnerships. For the energy transition to succeed, we need to go together, and we are working closely with dedicated partners like SIPG, customers, industry peers and regulators to cross the next frontiers in making green ocean transport the easy choice.’
Jinshan Gu, the Chairman of Shanghai International Port Group, said: ‘We are thrilled to partner with Maersk in our joint pursuit of this ambitious goal of decarbonisation. Maersk and SIPG have responded to the new trend of the industries’ green and low-carbon development, and have conducted fruitful cooperation in this field. Today, the first green methanol bunkering with simultaneous operation for a large ocean-going vessel at Shanghai port marks a new milestone between the two parties. It will undoubtedly enhance the strength of the Shanghai port to establish it as a major regional hub for green methanol fuel bunkering.’
As previously reported, a naming ceremony for the Astrid Mærsk was held in Yokohama earlier this month ahead of the vessel’s voyage to Shanghai. The Astrid Mærsk is is the second of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled vessels scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025. The Ane Mærsk – the first in the new 18-vessel series – completed its first methanol bunkering at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in March.
Image: Maersk
Rhys Berry
