Danish shipping giant A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) on Thursday (16 January) said it has set its sights to deploy at least 19 methanol dual-fuel vessels by the end of this year.

Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk, said this when sharing the company’s vision for 2025 in a video. 

He also said the company is anticipating the arrival of the first e-methanol volumes from European Energy’s Kassø facility in Denmark, a significant milestone in sourcing methanol. 

Manifold Times previously reported Maersk identifying its partners to produce green fuel for its first vessel to operate on carbon neutral methanol: REintegrate, a subsidiary of the Danish renewable energy company European Energy.

Sonzio said looking ahead, Maersk envisions a future of fuel diversity with methanol, biomethane, biodiesel and possibly ammonia co-existing. 

Last year, Maersk ordered 20 LNG dual-fuel vessels capable of sailing on biomethane.

“And this year, we still have the option to change the newbuild specification to methanol dual fuel,” he said. 

“Clarity on fuel providers and the regulatory environment will be key to this decision.”

He added 2025 is a pivotal year for the energy transition of Maersk’s fleet.

He said there is a need for global regulations this year from the International Maritime Organization to bridge the price gap between fossil fuels and emission-reducing alternatives.

“Collaboration remains at the heart of our efforts, as we work closely with regulators, industry peers, and customers to overcome challenges and accelerate the energy transition”, Sonzio added.

Related: A.P. Moller – Maersk identifies REintegrate as partner to produce e-methanol bunker fuel
Related: Maersk orders 20 LNG dual-fuel boxships from Chinese and South Korean shipyards

Photo credit: A.P. Moller - Maersk
Published: 17 January, 2025

Shipowner and marine engineering solutions provider James Fisher and Sons (James Fisher) on Tuesday (14 January) said it has ordered four new LNG dual fuel tankers from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng Co Ltd. 

The new tankers, which will carry oil products and IMO Class II chemicals. A number of successful features that will add to the overall sustainability of the new builds have been carried over from recent additions to the company’s fleet, vessels Sir John Fisher and Lady Maria Fisher. 

These include optimised hull form, waste heat recovery through cooling water and exhaust gas, 100 percent LED lighting and environmentally controlled engine room fans. In addition, the vessels will incorporate further energy efficiency measures to enhance their sustainability, in particular to address emissions in port.

Steel cutting took place in November 2024, with delivery of the first tanker expected at the end of 2025. The new vessels are a key part of the company’s strategy for the future, to enhance its service offering and operational efficiency.

Cyrille Levesque, James Fisher’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Our ‘Fleet of the Future’ strategy focuses on integrating improved design and advanced technologies to enhance the sustainability of our vessels and optimise overall performance.

“These measures will help us build a resilient maritime fleet that prioritises crew safety and wellbeing while enhancing vessel management to help us serve our customers’ needs in a more efficient and less carbon-intensive way.”

Krystyna Tsochlas, James Fisher’s Head of Maritime Transport, said: “With this project we are bringing pioneering new technologies and sustainable practices to the maritime sector. These new vessels will enable us to support our long-standing customers while helping them to achieve their environmental performance and sustainability ambitions.

“We are firm in our commitment to environmental stewardship, and the new vessels will feature technologies aimed at reducing emissions across our shipping operations, improving our efficiency and strengthening our commitment to delivering a low carbon future.”

Photo credit: James Fisher
Published: 16 January, 2024

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (14 January) said its fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, was named at a ceremony at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal. 

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunlight commenced its LNG-powered maiden voyage to Europe, fully loaded with Chinese cargo, shortly after the fireworks. 

“We now have four of the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly car carriers sailing the seas,” the firm said in a social media post. 

“Today’s celebrations are not only marking the handover of a ship; they once again underline our relentless quest toward a greener future—and a transformed industry.”

The Höegh Sunlight will reduce carbon emissions by 58 percent per transported car compared to the current industry average. 

In 2027, when the first Aurora is powered entirely by clean ammonia, nearly all carbon emissions will be eliminated. 

CEO, Andreas Enger, said: “Taking delivery of four of the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly PCTCs within six months is a decisive step to renew the company and our industry. We are pleased to celebrate this milestone with customers and partners during her first cargo operation in Taicang.” 

COO, Sebjørn Dahl, said: “Never in our nearly 100-year history have we built so many vessels in one newbuild programme, such large vessels, so technically advanced, so green, and so many at the same time and at this speed. We are indeed an agile, bold, and professional team at Höegh Autoliners.”

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 15 January, 2025