A.P. Moller – Maersk has officially named its dual-fuel methanol vessel, the Adrian Maersk, at its APM Terminals Maasvlakte II terminal in Rotterdam, marking a major milestone in the shipping industry’s transition toward more sustainable practices. The ceremony was graced by Stephanie Pullings Hart, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Nestlé, who had the honor of serving as the godmother of the vessel.
Nestlé, one of Maersk’s key customers, has committed to shipping 100% of its ocean cargo using Maersk’s ECO Delivery Ocean product, which employs alternative fuels to significantly cut down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This initiative reduces GHG emissions from Nestlé’s cargo by over 80% compared to conventional fossil fuels, marking a strong step toward Nestlé’s sustainability goals. Nestlé, which has been using the ECO Delivery Ocean service since 2023, has made a substantial financial commitment to this green logistics solution.
Adrian Maersk – A Key Vessel in the Energy Transition
The naming of the “Adrian Mærsk” highlights Maersk’s ongoing efforts to accelerate the energy transition in the shipping industry. This dual-fuel vessel is part of Maersk’s strategy to integrate bio-methanol and e-methanol into its fleet, significantly reducing the environmental impact of shipping. These alternative fuels are a vital part of Maersk’s decarbonization efforts, with bio- and e-methanol having the potential to reduce GHG emissions by 65% to 90% compared to traditional fossil fuels, depending on the feedstock and production process.
Speaking about the vessel’s significance, Karsten Kildahl, Maersk’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), emphasized that the technology for the energy transition is already available but that urgent action is needed from International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states, particularly in terms of regulation.
Kildahl stressed that supportive regulation is critical to increasing the adoption of fuels that can significantly lower GHG emissions in the shipping sector. “We urgently need regulation to support the uptake of fuels that significantly reduce GHG emissions,” Kildahl said. “At the same time, we need ambitious customers like Nestlé, who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint, to be close partners in our journey towards a greener shipping and logistics industry.”
A Strong Commitment to Sustainability by Nestlé
Nestlé’s sustainability efforts are central to its mission to tackle climate change. Stephanie Pullings Hart, the godmother of the “Adrian Mærsk”, highlighted the company’s dedication to climate action.
As a global leader in the food and beverage industry, Nestlé is on track to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2024, surpassing its original target set for 2025. The company’s ultimate goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. “Our green logistics efforts, including partnerships with Maersk, showcase our commitment to reducing emissions and promoting a sustainable future,” Pullings Hart said. “Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and we are proud to be part of the solution, working alongside partners like Maersk.”
Operational Impact and Future Plans
The “Adrian Mærsk” has a capacity of over 16,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) and will primarily serve the Asia-Mediterranean trade lane after completing its maiden voyage from Rotterdam. This vessel is a key component of Maersk’s new East-West network, which is designed to provide high schedule reliability, a target the company aims to achieve once the network is fully operational.
Maersk’s hub terminals, including the APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, will play a crucial role in delivering the company’s ambitious goal of 90% schedule reliability.
Dual-Fuel Vessels – A Central Pillar of Maersk’s Decarbonization Strategy
Maersk has made significant strides in incorporating dual-fuel vessels into its fleet as part of its long-term decarbonization strategy. The use of alternative fuels such as bio-methanol and e-methanol is seen as crucial to reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping industry. Furthermore, Maersk plans to deploy dual-fuel liquefied methane vessels that will use bio- or e-methane as soon as possible, broadening its commitment to multiple low-emission fuel technologies.
The shipping giant’s decarbonization strategy aligns with the broader industry’s need for a mix of alternative low-emission fuel technologies to effectively decarbonize global shipping and logistics. By investing in these fuel alternatives, Maersk aims to lead the way toward a sustainable future for the maritime industry.
A Collaborative Effort to Achieve Sustainable Shipping
Maersk’s partnership with Nestlé demonstrates how collaboration between industry leaders can foster the transition to a more sustainable supply chain. Through the use of alternative fuels, including ECO Delivery Ocean, both Maersk and Nestlé are actively working towards the reduction of GHG emissions and are setting a strong example for the rest of the industry to follow.
As Maersk continues its journey toward sustainability, the “Adrian Mærsk” and its role in the East-West trade network serve as a clear indication that decarbonization is possible with the right combination of technology, regulation, and customer commitment.
About Nestlé
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company, dedicated to improving quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. The company is committed to sustainability, with ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
About Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics, committed to connecting and simplifying its customers’ supply chains. With operations in over 130 countries and a workforce of around 100,000 employees, Maersk is at the forefront of shipping, terminal operations, and logistics solutions. The company is driving the transition to sustainable shipping, aiming to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2040 through investments in alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessels, and digital innovation. Maersk is dedicated to shaping the future of global trade with end-to-end supply chain solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability.
Source A.P. Moller – Maersk