With shipping accounting for around 3 percent of energy-related CO₂ emissions, the potential and impact of decarbonising international shipping is great. The Danish shipping industry has set ambitious targets for the green transition, aiming for all Danish-operated ships to be CO₂-neutral by 2050, and for 5 percent of ships to be ready to use e-fuels by 2030.

Already in 2023, the global shipping company, Maersk, will start operating the world’s first container vessel sailing on green fuel. The launch is part of Maersk plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its business by 2040. The goal encompasses both direct emissions from its vessels and indirect emissions from its supply chain, including container handling and transport. Committed to reducing its carbon footprint, Maersk has placed a total order of 19 green methanol vessels.

The vessels will operate on green fuel, utilising green methanol produced from renewable sources.

By introducing the vessels, Maersk sets a new benchmark for environmentally responsible shipping, inspiring the industry to embrace greener practices and paving the way towards a more sustainable future.