According to sources, during Maersk’s groundbreaking foray into green methanol-fueled shipping, the Danish shipping giant has raised eyebrows by entering into a new partnership with CMA CGM aimed at advancing the production of green methane and green methanol. This unexpected alliance may appear to contradict Maersk’s previous anti-LNG stance, but the company insists that there is no change in its green strategy.
In recent years, Maersk had actively distanced itself from LNG as a transitional fuel. Former Maersk CEO Soren Skou went on record in 2020, asserting that LNG was “still a fossil fuel” and stating that it wouldn’t play a significant role in the company’s transition to cleaner energy sources. However, in a conversation with The Loadstar, a Maersk spokesperson clarified that the collaboration with CMA CGM did not indicate a shift in company strategy.
“Both companies have consistently emphasized the need for a mix of fuels,” the spokesperson explained. “We have identified areas where we can work together, such as setting standards for bunkering, establishing criteria for green fuels, and jointly investing in research and development.”
Maersk: LNG is “still a fossil fuel”
“Maersk’s strategic direction remains unchanged,” they continued. “LNG is not a part of our fleet’s future. Our investments will adhere to the same principles as always – focusing on technologies and innovations that can pave the way for new, green alternatives to fossil fuels.”
CMA CGM’s CEO, Rodolphe Saadé, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential impact on the industry, stating, “This partnership is a milestone for the decarbonization of our industry. By combining the know-how and expertise of two shipping leaders, we will accelerate the development of new solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to reach its CO2 reduction targets.”
CMA CGM has previously explored green bio-LNG derived from sewage, collaborating with TotalEnergies and other entities on projects to convert French sewer gas into a carbon-neutral fuel that is chemically identical to traditional fossil LNG.
Vincent Clerc, Maersk’s CEO, emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving the green transition within the shipping and logistics sector, saying, “AP Moller – Maersk wants to accelerate the green transition in shipping and logistics, and to do so, we need strong involvement from partners across the industry. We are pleased to have an ally in CMA CGM, and it’s a testament that when we unite through determined efforts and partnerships, a tangible and optimistic path toward a sustainable future emerges.”
Earlier this year, Maersk and MSC announced their intention to dissolve their 2M alliance by 2025. Since then, MSC has prominently embraced LNG, with a significant portion of its orderbook comprised of LNG-fueled vessels. The company also joined the Sea-LNG consortium, which includes more than a dozen fossil fuel and petrochemical firms. Sea-LNG’s chairman, Peter Keller, has championed LNG, touting it as a readily available solution for deep-sea shipping.
Despite industry enthusiasm for LNG, some critics, like Aoife O’Leary, CEO of Opportunity Green, have questioned the authenticity of this shift, suggesting it may be more about public relations than true commitment to sustainability. “If you want to use LNG, go ahead… just don’t tell me you’re doing it for the climate,” O’Leary remarked to The Loadstar.
Last week, Maersk celebrated the christening of the Laura Maersk, its first green methanol-powered vessel, a 2100 TEU feeder ship. Chairman Robert Uggla described the ship as representing an “industrial revolution, but of a green character.” This event underscores Maersk’s unwavering commitment to pursuing green alternatives in the ever-evolving landscape of maritime transportation. As the industry grapples with the challenges of decarbonization, partnerships like the one with CMA CGM demonstrate that cooperation and innovation are key to steering the ship industry towards a more sustainable future.
Sources: Maersk, The LoadStar, CMA CGM
