COPENHAGEN – A.P. Moller – Maersk has officially named the first vessel in its newest class of dual-fuel methanol-powered container ships, marking a strategic milestone in the carrier’s fleet modernization and decarbonisation roadmap.
The vessel, Berlin Mærsk, was named on 18 June at Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. It is the 14th dual-fuel vessel in Maersk’s growing alternative-fuel fleet and the first of six ships in a new class designed to operate on methanol or conventional fuel, supporting the company’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
“With the launch of the Berlin Mærsk class, we continue to build an ocean toolkit adaptable to multiple fuel pathways,” said Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk. “Fleet renewal is essential for maintaining our competitive edge in ocean shipping, and it serves as a cornerstone of our commitment to decarbonisation.”
The new series introduces increased capacity, enhanced fuel flexibility, and broader beam dimensions, positioning it as the largest dual-fuel vessel to date in the Maersk fleet.
Entering Service on the Asia-Europe Route
Set to make its maiden port call in Shanghai on 7 July, Berlin Mærsk will enter commercial service on the company’s AE3 route connecting East Asia and Northern Europe. This trade lane is one of the most vital arteries for global container traffic and is a focus area for decarbonisation initiatives within liner shipping.
The AE3 service offers weekly sailings with fixed-day schedules, and the deployment of Berlin Mærsk is expected to provide a marginal uplift in slot capacity while reducing emissions per container moved.
Familiar Design with a Boost
Though part of a new class, the Berlin Mærsk closely resembles the earlier Ane Mærsk class of methanol-capable vessels—12 of which are already in service with Maersk. All were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, highlighting a continued partnership between the shipbuilder and the Danish carrier.
What sets the Berlin Mærsk class apart is its wider beam. This structural change allows for additional container rows across the deck, translating into higher capacity and operational efficiency, particularly on high-volume routes.
“We are happy that we now begin taking delivery of the Berlin Mærsk series,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology at Maersk. “Since our decision to order the first dual-fuel methanol vessel in 2021, we have come a long way. Our new class builds on the foundation laid by Laura Mærsk and the Ane Mærsk class, showcasing our ongoing efforts in innovation and optimisation.”
A Step in an Expanding Methanol Strategy
With six vessels in the Berlin Mærsk class scheduled for delivery in 2025, Maersk will further extend its lead among ocean carriers investing in green methanol propulsion. The company has now ordered nearly two dozen methanol-powered vessels, all intended to sail under the Danish flag.
This push reflects not only a response to regulatory pressures but also a broader shift in customer expectations. Shippers increasingly demand sustainable transport options as they work to decarbonise their own supply chains.
Each new vessel serves a dual role: as a commercial asset and as a platform for testing and scaling green fuels in real-world operations.
Looking Ahead
All six vessels in the new class are being constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries and are expected to be delivered within the next twelve months. Once in service, they will contribute to an evolving fleet architecture focused on modularity, fuel flexibility, and emissions reduction.
As of mid-2025, Maersk will operate nearly two dozen methanol-ready container ships across multiple trades—each one a building block in the company’s larger strategy to decarbonise global logistics while keeping reliability and scale intact.
