Maersk Debuts Alexandra Maersk: The first container ship powered by Green Methanol

A container ship designed to operate entirely on green fuels has recently docked in the UK. The vessel, named Alexandra Maersk, was officially inaugurated at the Port of Felixstowe in Suffolk. Owned by the shipping company Maersk, the Alexandra Maersk measures 350 meters (1,148 feet) in length and is a significant step toward reducing maritime emissions.

Maersk has highlighted that when the ship is powered by sustainably sourced and produced green methanol, it can generate significantly lower emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to advancing sustainable shipping practices and addressing the environmental impact of maritime transportation. By adopting green methanol as a fuel source, the Alexandra Maersk represents a critical development in the industry’s transition toward more environmentally friendly alternatives, aiming to meet the growing demand for sustainable logistics solutions

Retail giant Primark, which has formed a partnership with Maersk, has expressed that the arrival of the Alexandra Maersk represents a significant advancement toward its goal of halving carbon emissions by 2030. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both companies to sustainability and reducing their environmental footprints.

The ship is equipped with an engine that can operate on methanol, a non-persistent chemical that readily breaks down in the environment, minimizing its ecological impact. According to Maersk, using low-emission methanol as a fuel source can lead to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates ranging from 65% to 90% lower emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels such as bunker oil. This dramatic decrease highlights the potential of green methanol to contribute to more sustainable shipping practices, aligning with broader industry efforts to combat climate change and reduce the carbon footprint of maritime operations.

Primark’s partnership with Maersk and the use of the Alexandra Maersk reflects a proactive approach in seeking innovative solutions to meet sustainability targets while promoting responsible sourcing and logistics in the retail sector.

The Alexandra Maersk is a remarkable vessel capable of carrying over 16,000 standard containers and represents the sixth ship in Maersk's fleet that can operate on methanol for both its main and auxiliary engines. This innovative design includes a dual-fuel engine, allowing the ship to run on traditional fossil fuels when methanol is not readily available.

Morten Wehner, the ship's chief engineer, emphasized the significance of this advancement, describing it as a "game changer." He pointed out that, unlike conventional ships that emit visible plumes of smoke when burning traditional fuel, the Alexandra Maersk produces no emissions from its chimney. This cleaner operation not only enhances air quality but also transforms the perception of maritime fuel usage.

Wehner expressed his pride in the ship’s capabilities and its role in promoting sustainable practices, stating, "I believe this is one of the things we really need to do to leave a better world." His remarks underscore the significance of these innovations in the shipping industry as part of a larger commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The Alexandra Maersk’s launch is a significant step forward in the quest for greener shipping solutions and reflects the growing emphasis on reducing the maritime industry's carbon footprint.

Christian Besa, the captain of the Alexandra Maersk, shared that the vessel successfully sailed from Gibraltar to Felixstowe using only green fuel. He acknowledged the significant challenge of sourcing sufficient green methanol for operations, stating, "The biggest challenge we have is we want to run on green methanol."

Besa expressed optimism about overcoming this hurdle, noting, "As demand increases, I believe that suppliers will respond accordingly, and soon there will be enough green fuel available for everyone." His comments reflect a broader sentiment in the maritime industry regarding the importance of developing a sustainable fuel supply to meet the needs of ships transitioning to greener alternatives. Besa's confidence in the future availability of green fuel underscores the collective efforts of industry stakeholders to invest in and promote sustainable practices within shipping.

Karsten Kildahl, Chief Commercial Officer at Maersk, noted that when the company began its transition from traditional black fuel—conventional fossil fuels—to greener alternatives, they evaluated multiple options. They ultimately selected methanol as the most promising and scalable fuel for the near future. He expressed confidence that this shift toward greener fuels will help the Alexandra Maersk become "greener and greener" over its anticipated 25-year lifespan.

Paul Marchant, CEO of Primark, stated that the partnership with Maersk is "a really important step" toward achieving their goal of halving carbon emissions by 2030. This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to sustainability and their proactive efforts to address environmental challenges within the shipping and retail sectors. Together, they aim to significantly reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to a more sustainable future.