5 billion investment plan! Maersk launches its first voyage to India.

Recently, Danish shipping giant Maersk held a naming ceremony for its latest methanol dual-fuel ultra-large container ship "Albert Maersk" in Mumbai, India.

The "Albert Maersk" is the 11th vessel in the Maersk fleet that can operate using methanol fuel. The naming of the ship marks the launch of Maersk's maiden voyage in India. The ceremony was hosted by Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc, with the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways of India, Sarbananda Sonowal, in attendance.

Sonowal stated at the ceremony: "India is very honored to host the naming ceremony for this advanced dual-fuel vessel, which is a historic initiative for foreign shipping companies in India. With the growing global demand for green shipping, India is expected to become a major producer and supplier of green methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen-based fuels. Maersk's choice to produce green fuel in India is an important step towards a sustainable maritime future. The naming of this new ship is not only a tradition but also a symbol of trust, cooperation, and a shared vision. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation with Maersk in green shipping, green fuel production, and logistics."

The "Albert Maersk" was built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, and was completed and delivered in January this year. This type of ship can carry 16,592 standard containers and features an industry-first innovative design that places the bridge and accommodation area at the front of the vessel, ensuring fuel efficiency. The ship is equipped with dual-fuel engines provided by MAN Energy Solutions, capable of sailing on methanol and traditional marine fuel, with auxiliary engines also using methanol dual-fuel.

Maersk has ordered 25 methanol dual-fuel container ships from shipyards in China and South Korea, including the feeder ship "Laura Maersk," built by HD Hyundai in Ulsan, which will be deployed on European internal routes in September 2023, and 18 ultra-large ships to be delivered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2024-2025; additionally, there are 6 methanol dual-fuel ships of 9,000 TEU from Yangtze River Shipbuilding, scheduled for delivery from 2026 to 2027.

These methanol dual-fuel ships are an important part of Maersk's goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Over their entire lifecycle, bio-methanol and electro-methanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 65% compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Maersk has a wide business layout in India, including two APM terminals located in Mumbai and Pipavav, handling over 3 million containers of imports and exports annually; 26 warehouses with a total area of 350,000 square meters; and a distribution network covering over 80% of postal codes in India.

At the same time as the naming of the "Albert Maersk," Maersk announced a large-scale investment in India. It is reported that Maersk plans to invest $5 billion in India's ports, terminals, and land infrastructure over the next few years, mainly for the expansion of the Pipavav terminal, the development of a container terminal at Vadhavan Port, and logistics in India.

In February this year, Maersk also signed a memorandum of understanding with Cochin Shipyard in India to explore cooperation opportunities in ship repair, maintenance, and new shipbuilding activities in India. According to the memorandum, the two parties will cooperate in several key areas: joint training programs centered on ecological responsibility practices; sharing technical expertise to establish global ship repair standards; exploring opportunities for ship repair, dry docking, and new shipbuilding; and skill development programs for Cochin Shipyard employees and Maersk seafarers.

Vincent Clerc stated: "Maersk is firmly advancing the decarbonization process of the shipping industry by increasing its dual-fuel fleet. As one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world, India has a thriving manufacturing sector, a booming E-Business industry, and an expanding export market. Shipping and logistics are key development areas for India, and Maersk looks forward to cooperating with India in various aspects, including exploring potential sources of low-emission shipping alternative fuels and future activities related to ship repair and shipbuilding, which aligns with the Indian government's ambition to promote the development of the shipping industry."