The world’s first large containership powered by methanol built by Hyundai Heavy Industries for Maersk has been launched.
Measuring at 350m in length & 53.5m width, with capacity to carry 16200 TEU, the series will be fitted with MAN G95ME-LGIM10.5 EGR-TC engines. Compared to industry-standard vessels, these vessels will be 20% more energy efficient per transported container. And the vessels will have a 16,000 cbm methanol tank.
Crew accommodation and pilothouse will be located at the bow of the ship to increase the loading capacity of containers. The funnels will be located at the aft and only on one side of the ship, thus providing more space for cargo. Overall, the vessel’s cargo capacity will be 7% higher than that of existing vessels in the same class.
New arrangements will have to be made for lifeboats and navigation lights, and new cameras will have to be installed to support the skipper’s line of sight while underway. Additional reinforcements will be applied to the hull to cope with the potential increase in torsional movement due to the new design.
And the launch comes after Maersk christened the world’s first green methanol-powered containership last month, the 2,100 TEU Laura Maersk.
In addition, Maersk has placed a separate order in November 2022 with HHI for six 17,000 TEU vessels. All 18 vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2024 and 2025.