A.P. Moller – Maersk took another significant step towards sustainable shipping today with the christening of its third large dual-fuel vessel, Antonia Mærsk, at a ceremony held in Aarhus, Denmark. This state-of-the-art vessel, capable of sailing on green methanol, underscores Maersk’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and leading the charge in the decarbonization of maritime transport.
The christening ceremony was marked by tradition and innovation, as Kirsten Andersen, spouse of Vestas CEO Henrik Andersen, honored the vessel as its godmother. In line with Maersk’s longstanding tradition of naming ships after members of the founding family, Antonia Mærsk is named after Antonia Uggla, granddaughter of Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, chair of A.P. Møller Fonden and A.P. Moller Holding, the majority owner of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
The unveiling of Antonia Mærsk represents more than just the addition of a new vessel to the fleet; it symbolizes a broader commitment to sustainable practices within the shipping industry. With 18 large methanol-enabled newbuilds scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025, Maersk is positioning itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner energy.
Henrik Andersen, CEO of Vestas, highlighted the critical role of such innovations in achieving global sustainability goals. “Deploying wind energy is essential to achieving net zero. But without driving decarbonization in the hard-to-abate sectors, we cannot have a successful energy transition. Frontrunners who dare to test new technology will be key for our planet’s future, and we’re proud to support Maersk’s journey,” Andersen remarked during the ceremony.
Currently docked at the Aarhus Port, Antonia Mærsk will be open for public visits this weekend, offering a unique opportunity for the public to witness firsthand the technological advancements that are set to shape the future of maritime logistics.
As the shipping industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, Maersk’s investment in green methanol and dual-fuel technology marks a significant milestone. The launch of Antonia Mærsk not only honors the legacy of the company’s founders but also sets a precedent for the future of sustainable shipping.
Antonia Mærsk is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between industries to achieve a successful energy transition, proving that innovation and tradition can sail hand in hand towards a greener future.
