A ground-breaking series of eight16,000teu container vessels capable of being operated on carbon-neutral methanol ordered by Maersk, along with an option for a further four vessels, are to be built to ABS Class.

The announcement builds on a series of recent alternative fuel newbuild orders, including Maersk’s feeder vessel with dual engine technology enabling it to sail on either methanol or VLSFO which is now under construction to ABS Class.

“Sustainable global trade is an urgent priority not just for our industry, but the entire world and this landmark project starts to make this dream a reality. As a leader in the application of sustainable fuels in shipping, ABS is proud to be able to use our experience to support it,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President, and CEO.

“More than anything, decarbonising shipping requires collaboration and innovation across the ecosystem, so I am pleased to have ABS and its leading expertise with us on this journey. Our methanol-fuelled vessels will play a significant role in reaching our commitment of 60% CO₂ fleet reduction by 2030 compared to 2008 levels. They will also be a proving ground where we learn how to bunker and operate carbon neutral vessels safely, efficiently and reliably, so we can continue building momentum towards carbon neutrality in 2050,” said Palle Laursen, Senior Vice President, Chief Technical Officer, A.P. Moller – Maersk.

The vessels will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries and have a nominal capacity of approximately 16,000 containers. The series will replace older vessels, generating annual CO2 emissions savings of around 1 million tons and offer customers carbon-neutral transportation at scale. Capable of operating on carbon-neutral e-methanol or sustainable bio-methanol, the vessels come with a dual fuel engine setup, which also enables operation on conventional low sulphur fuel.

ABS has published guidance on Methanol as Marine Fuel, evaluating the challenges in the design and operation of methanol-fuelled vessels.