The container ship Ane Maersk made a short maiden call at the Port of Le Havre, its first port of call in Europe.

Christened in January 2024 in South Korea, it is the first in a series of 18 container ships with a capacity of 16,000 to 17,000 TEU, powered by methanol. Measuring 349 metres in length, 54 metres in width, with a deadweight tonnage of 189,500 tonnes, it has a capacity of 16,000 TEU.

Its sister ships will enter service in 2025. The bridge, positioned well forward, gives them a distinctive design. They are therefore the first large container ships to be powered by methanol from the outset.

Methanol, a synthetic fuel produced from carbon dioxide and hydrogen, has a higher octane rating than diesel. As it is more corrosive, it requires specially adapted engines. Whilst methanol has traditionally had a less favourable carbon footprint, recent developments have enabled the use of greener resources (biomass, biogas or municipal waste).

Between retrofitted vessels and those currently on order, Maersk has a fleet of 25 methanol-powered container ships.

Source: Mer et Marine 08 April 2024 / Photo: Fabien MONTREUIL