Hapag-Lloyd has signed a landmark agreement with Goldwind, a Beijing-based leader in clean energy, securing the annual delivery of 250,000 tonnes of green methanol starting in 2026. This move aligns with Hapag-Lloyd’s Strategy 2030 and reinforces its commitment to achieving net-zero fleet operations by 2045. The green methanol supply, a mix of bio- and e-methanol, will enable a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—by at least 70% compared to conventional fuels.
CEO Rolf Habben Jansen emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating, “With the agreement, we are securing a significant proportion of our requirements for green fuels. This brings us closer to our goal of net-zero fleet operations by 2045.” By 2030, the shipping giant aims to reduce its absolute GHG emissions by about one-third compared to 2022 levels, with this green methanol supply saving up to 400,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions annually.
Goldwind plans to construct a new green methanol plant adjacent to its existing facility in Hinggan League, China. The project is expected to be operational by late 2027, sharing infrastructure with its sister plant to maximize efficiency. Early production volumes are slated for delivery in 2026. Wu Gang, Chairman of Goldwind, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “This collaboration proves once again that Goldwind can win the trust of one of the most important shipping companies. We are honored to support Hapag-Lloyd in achieving carbon neutrality ahead of industry targets.”
Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd plans to fuel its five 10,100 TEU charter ships, being retrofitted for dual-fuel propulsion, with green methanol. This initiative complements the company’s recent investment in 24 new container ships equipped with low-emission LNG engines, underlining its transition to a multi-fuel future.
Jan Christensen, Senior Director of Global Fuel Purchasing at Hapag-Lloyd, underscored the broader significance of the partnership: “Green methanol represents a key pathway within Hapag-Lloyd’s multi-fuel strategy, underscoring our commitment to advancing more sustainable shipping solutions.”
This agreement not only bolsters Hapag-Lloyd’s position as a leader in sustainable maritime logistics but also showcases the critical role of partnerships in driving the decarbonization of the global shipping industry. Goldwind’s expertise in clean energy innovation will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a greener future for maritime trade.
