According to Alphaliner and Maersk Line, the shipyard Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), a part of the KSOE Group, achieved a significant milestone on July 10th with the delivery of the LAURA MAERSK, a 2,100 twenty-foot equivalent unit (teu) container ship. This vessel holds the distinction of being the world’s first boxship to be powered by methanol. Maersk, a renowned Danish shipping line, had placed an individual order for this ship in June 2021. Since then, the company has displayed a growing commitment to methanol as the preferred fuel for its fleet renewal, prioritizing efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
Although the LAURA MAERSK is relatively small in size, Maersk has made subsequent orders for 18 larger methanol-fueled mainline vessels, ranging between 16,000 and 17,000 teu, as well as six 9,000 teu methanol-powered ships. Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea will construct the larger vessels from 2024 to 2026, while Yangzijiang Shipbuilding is responsible for delivering the 9,000 teu ships in 2026 and 2027.
Technically categorized as a Bangkokmax vessel, the LAURA MAERSK measures 172.00 meters in length and 32.20 meters in breadth (equivalent to 13 rows). However, this ship possesses specialized features tailored for Baltic Sea trade, including a fully enclosed bridge and a 1A ice class rating. After completing its journey from Korea to Europe, the LAURA MAERSK will integrate into Maersk’s regional and feeder network in Northern Europe.
In line with Maersk’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, the company has pledged to use “green” and carbon-neutral methanol as extensively and early as possible on the LAURA MAERSK. To ensure a stable supply of methanol, Maersk has secured long-term contracts with large quantities of the fuel. In 2021, Maersk acknowledged the initial uncertainty surrounding the availability of an adequate methanol supply. Nevertheless, the company proceeded with the vessel order, aiming to resolve the “chicken and egg” predicament between fuel buyers and suppliers of environmentally friendly fuels.
The LAURA MAERSK is anticipated to arrive in Copenhagen between late August and early September, where it will be honored with a grand naming ceremony. Consequently, the low-key delivery event from the shipyard can be attributed to this upcoming celebration.
Sources: Maersk, Alphaliner
