A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) celebrated the name-giving of its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel, ‘Albert Maersk,’ in Mumbai as part of the vessel’s maiden voyage to India. This historic event marked Maersk’s first-ever name-giving ceremony held in India, taking place at APM Terminals Mumbai.
The Honourable Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, served as the Godmother, officially christening the vessel. The ceremony was hosted by Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, and attended by the Honourable Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, along with diplomats, government authorities, customers, partners, and Maersk employees.
The ‘Albert Maersk’ is the eleventh vessel in Maersk’s fleet capable of operating on methanol, underscoring the company’s commitment to decarbonizing shipping.
Sarbananda Sonowal, Honourable Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated, “It is a privilege for India to host the naming of this advanced dual-fuel vessel, a historic first for a foreign shipping company in our country. With the demand for green vessels rising, India has the potential to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based fuels. Maersk’s decision to focus on green fuel production in India is a welcome step that will accelerate our journey towards a sustainable maritime future. This vessel naming is more than just a tradition—it is a symbol of trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. As India moves towards becoming a global maritime powerhouse, we welcome Maersk’s continued partnership in green shipping, green fuel production, and logistics.”
Vincent Clerc, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk, highlighted India’s growing economy and emphasized Maersk’s readiness to partner on various aspects, including exploring alternative fuel sourcing for low-emission shipping, ship repairs, and shipbuilding, aligning with the Indian Government’s ambitions for the shipping sector.
Maersk plays a significant role in the Indian economy, facilitating the movement of one in every six containers imported or exported and enabling global trade through its integrated logistics solutions. The company’s footprint in India includes two APM Terminals operations in Mumbai and Pipavav, 26 warehouses covering 350,000 sq. m., and a distribution network reaching over 80% of India’s pin codes.
On the backdrop of the name-giving ceremony, Maersk announced that the company sees an investment opportunity pipeline of approximately USD 5 billion in ports and terminals, as well as land-side infrastructure development in India.
Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, commented, “We believe we can play a role in reducing the cost of logistics by ensuring that our customers access all their supply chain needs in one place – from all modes of transportation to port handling to warehousing and distribution. As APM Terminals, we are ready to invest more in developing ports with low emissions and great efficiency that will help businesses grow and connect India with the global markets.”
The ‘Albert Maersk’ is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels scheduled for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the vessel can carry 16,592 standard containers (TEU). The delivery of this dual-fuel fleet is a critical component of Maersk’s decarbonization goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. Bio-methanol and e-methanol can reduce GHG emissions by at least 65% compared to conventional fossil fuels. Maersk continues to advocate for fuel-agnostic IMO regulations that support a multi-fuel future and close the price gap between fossil and alternative fuels, ensuring the viability of low-emission transport.
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