Maersk completes its historic fleet fuelled by methanol

A.P. Moller-Maersk has announced the completion of the world’s first big dual-fuel methanol-powered container vessel fleet, marking a significant milestone in sustainability and spanning many continents and industrial partners in the effort to decarbonize ocean transportation. With intentional symbolism, the multinational logistics and container shipping behemoth has now put a number of methanol-enabled container ships into service at ports ranging from Aarhus to Yokohama, including important hubs like Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Singapore, and Mumbai.

Developed in partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and MAN Energy Solutions, and backed by a wide range of commercial partners such as Nestlé, Temasek, Nike, Vestas, Nissan Motor Corporation, and Primark, Maersk’s dual-fuel fleet exemplifies a collective push for innovation and sustainability across industries. These vessels, which can operate on either conventional fuels or green methanol, represent a tangible shift in the maritime industry’s approach to emissions reduction.

A Fleet That Signals a Shift Rather than opting for gradual retrofits, Maersk committed to building a full fleet of methanol-ready vessels at scale. These ships aren’t prototypes—they’re operational assets now deployed across key global trade lanes. The project reflects a growing belief among logistics leaders that decarbonization isn’t a future aspiration—it’s a current requirement.

The fleet consists of over a dozen large ocean-going vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on green methanol, a bio-based alternative with far lower lifecycle emissions than traditional bunker fuels. While methanol is not yet widely available at scale, Maersk has coordinated with fuel producers and port authorities to ensure bunkering is possible at strategic locations. Each ship naming ceremony was carefully planned not just as a brand celebration but as a statement of intent. With events in Felixstowe, Shanghai, Ulsan, and more, the vessels were introduced with global visibility, underscoring the scale and momentum behind the initiative.