A further six large ocean-going, methanol-fueled container vessels have been ordered by A.P. Moller – Maersk  to ABS Class.

The order takes the total of dual-fuel engine vessels that can sail on green methanol on order from Maersk to ABS class to 19. These 17,000-TEU vessels will be built at Hyundai Heavy Industries, scheduled for delivery in 2025. When all 19 vessels on order are deployed and have replaced older vessels they will, when operating on green methanol, generate annual CO₂ emissions savings of around 2.3 million tonnes.

“Decarbonization of shipping is a complex challenge with many moving parts. Green methanol is a promising fuel for the decarbonization of our industry and these vessels are a vital step in creating more sustainable global supply chains. ABS is proud to be able to use its insight into methanol as a marine fuel to support Maersk,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO.

“All vessels we currently have on order will be able to operate on green methanol, which we see as the best scalable green fuel solution for this decade. We look forward to build on the current momentum and continue the cooperation with ABS on our path to decarbonizing our fleet,” said Palle Laursen, Chief Fleet & Technical Officer at Maersk.

ABS has published guidance on Methanol as Marine Fuel, evaluating the challenges in the design and operation of methanol-fueled vessels. Download a copy of Sustainability Whitepaper: Methanol as Marine Fuel here. More information on ABS sustainability services and guidance on a range of alternative fuels is available here.