Danish shipping giant Maersk on Thursday (Sep 14) launched the world’s first container ship running on bio-methanol, a key step in its effort to lower its huge carbon footprint.

Maersk, which sold its oil division to TotalEnergies in 2017, has set out a target to become carbon neutral by 2040.

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen christened the Laura at an inauguration ceremony in Copenhagen’s harbour, swinging a bottle of champagne across its hull to officially launch the ship.

The Laura will help reduce its CO2 emissions by 100 tonnes a day, compared with the same vessel running on fuel oil, Maersk said.

Built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and fitted with a dual-fuel engine, the Laura is a relatively small model that will be able to transport 2,136 20-foot (TEU) containers.

It will begin operating in the Baltic Sea in October, Maersk said.

According to businesstimes.com.sg. Source of photo: internet