CHINA – Maersk, a leading player in integrated container logistics, reached a significant milestone with the arrival of the large methanol-powered vessel Astrid Maersk at Yangshan port in Shanghai for its inaugural green methanol bunkering alongside cargo operations in China.

This historic achievement, facilitated through collaboration with the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), marks a pivotal moment in Maersk’s commitment to decarbonizing maritime transportation and its longstanding partnership with stakeholders in China’s international trade.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, highlighted the company’s century-long dedication to facilitating global supply chains and its substantial investments in China’s foreign trade infrastructure, services, and workforce.

Clerc emphasized the deployment of methanol-enabled vessels in the Asia-Europe trade as a testament to Maersk’s heritage and the dawn of a promising era built on strong collaborations.

He stressed the importance of collective efforts in advancing the energy transition and affirmed Maersk’s commitment to working closely with partners, customers, industry peers, and regulators to drive sustainable practices in ocean transport.

Chairman Jinshan Gu of SIPG expressed excitement about the partnership with Maersk in pursuit of decarbonization goals, recognizing their joint commitment to green and low-carbon development.

Gu highlighted the significance of the first green methanol bunkering operation for a large vessel at Shanghai port, marking a milestone in the collaboration between Maersk and SIPG and bolstering Shanghai’s position as a regional hub for green methanol fuel bunkering.

Astrid Maersk’s journey from Yokohama, Japan, to Shanghai followed its naming ceremony in early April. As the second of Maersk’s 18 large methanol-enabled vessels scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025, Astrid Maersk’s arrival in Shanghai signifies a key step forward in establishing vital green methanol infrastructure.

Silvia Ding, Managing Director of Greater China at Maersk, expressed delight in bringing Astrid Maersk to Shanghai for the milestone bunkering operation, highlighting it as evidence of significant progress in green methanol infrastructure development.

Ding emphasized Maersk’s commitment to creating long-term value through innovative solutions, collaboration, and adaptability to meet evolving societal, customer, and employee demands.

With sustainability as a top priority, Maersk remains dedicated to leading the way in decarbonizing global logistics for a greener future.

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