AP Moller – Maersk named its newest methanol dual-fuel container ship, A.P. Møller, during a ceremony in Singapore on Thursday.
The 16,592 TEU vessel, built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, is part of a series of 18 large methanol dual-fuel ships that Maersk is adding to its fleet through 2024 and 2025.
The vessel was named in honor of Arnold Peter Møller, the founder of AP Moller – Maersk. Chan Su-Shan, wife of Temasek Holdings CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, served as the ship’s godmother in a ceremony hosted by Robert Uggla, Chair of the Board of Directors at A.P. Moller – Maersk. The Danish-flagged container ship will begin operations in December.
The naming event, held at Tanjong Pagar Terminal, highlighted Singapore’s maritime history. While the terminal served as Singapore’s first container port in 1972, it now primarily handles car carriers and is set to be redeveloped into a commercial and residential district as container operations shift to Tuas Port.
Maersk, a leader in green shipping, now operates nine methanol dual-fuel vessels as part of its commitment to decarbonizing maritime transport.
Ditlev Blicher, President of Asia Pacific at Maersk, emphasised the company’s dedication to the energy transition, collaborating with regional authorities, including Singapore, to advance decarbonization initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Singapore’s Minister of State for Law and Transport, Murali Pillai, celebrated the milestone, stating, “The arrival of A.P. Møller in Singapore not only showcases advancements in shipping technology but also reinforces our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Blicher urged the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to adopt regulations to close the cost gap between fossil fuels and green alternatives, such as methanol.
He advocated for an international greenhouse gas levy to encourage broader adoption of sustainable fuels and accelerate the shipping industry’s transition to a low-carbon future.
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