Laura Maersk: a ‘historic milestone’ for shipping

Mr Clerc told delegates that in 2018, when Maersk announced its industry-first commitment, it did not have a path to get to net zero. “Our ambition back then was to get the first methanol-powered ship in the water by 2030. It wasn’t easy, but we found a path and today we know how to achieve climate neutrality.”

In the next few years, the ship will be joined by more than 100 methanol container vessels all dedicated to climate neutrality.

Mr Clerc said, “Strong and rapid involvement from the industry is essential to accelerate the adoption and innovation of new technologies. This is fundamentally required to meet our goals. I am convinced that with this ship, we are entering a phase where multiple technologies and solutions can co-exist side by side in the same eco system while collectively we reduce emissions. The first vessel demonstrates that if you want to go beyond, you need to go together.”

He pointed out the supply chain and logistics sector contribute 11% to global CO2 emissions, with shipping accounting for 3% of this amount.

Mr Clerc said, “Equally important to us is helping customers decarbonise their entire supply chain end-to-end. As such, our efforts are not just addressing 3% but the 11% from the entire global supply chain.

“Our new green vessel will give valuable experience with operation on green methanol enabling greater impact from the fuel volumes secured for our larger vessels on order.”

He said green methanol is Maersk’s fuel of choice because it is the “only scalable solution that can meet net-zero requirements”. He warned, “Neither we nor the environment can afford complacency waiting for other solutions to emerge in the late 2020s.”

In the past two years, Maersk has placed orders for 25 ships to operate on green methanol, with 19 in production and slated to be on the sea by 2025.

Mr Clerc sums up, “We embark on the next transition this time as a first mover. We have looked forward to this day.

“We are acutely aware this is just the beginning and ahead lies even greater challenges. But as is the case with all significant advancements, it starts with one.”

’Laura’ is a Maersk name rooted in some of the company’s very early innovative landmarks. When Captain Peter Maersk Moller bought his first steamship in 1886, he named it Laura. With its steam engine, Laura was a product of the second industrial revolution, making its impact on the shipping industry significant.

Furthermore, Laura was the first vessel to wear the white seven-pointed star on a light blue background. This symbol later would become the logo of AP Moller-Maersk.

Riviera’s two-day Maritime Decarbonisation, Europe: Conference, Awards & Exhibition 2023 returns to Amsterdam on 26-27 September 2023, seeking to bring clarity to regulatory directions and decarbonisation pathways for both newbuilds and existing vessels