Maersk completes first series of methanol-enabled Equinox-I container ships

Maersk has officially taken delivery of Axel Maersk, a 16,592 TEU methanol-enabled container ship, marking the completion of its first series of 12 Equinox-I class mainline vessels.

The Danish ocean carrier initially ordered eight vessels from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in August 2021. This order was expanded in January 2022, when Maersk exercised options for an additional four vessels, bringing the total to 12.

In a follow-up move, Maersk placed an order in September 2022 for six larger Equinox-II ships, which feature a slightly increased beam of 56.40 meters compared to 53.50 meters on the Equinox-I vessels.

The Equinox-II class is expected to have a maximum capacity of up to 17,500 TEU, with the first unit, Beijing Maersk, scheduled for delivery in August 2025.

While methanol-powered container ships currently represent a small fraction of the global fleet, just 0.4% by number of ships and 0.8% by total TEU capacity, Maersk now operates an impressive 76.7% of the world’s methanol-fuelled container ship capacity following the delivery of the Axel Maersk.

Though still a niche segment, the methanol-powered fleet is expected to expand significantly.

According to the orderbook, methanol-fuelled container ships are now the second most ordered alternative-fuel vessel type, following LNG-powered ships.

This signals growing momentum for methanol as a key fuel in the decarbonization of maritime transport.

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