JNPA’s Gateway Terminals India Hosts Naming Ceremony for Maersk’s Newest Dual-Fuel Methanol Vessel ‘Albert Maersk’

A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) hosted the naming ceremony of its newest dual-fuel methanol-powered vessel at Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd (GTI), one of the five container terminals at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)  on Friday, February 28, 2025. This marked the first instance of a global shipping line conducting such an event in India, underscoring the country’s growing significance in Maersk’s strategy for sourcing alternative fuels at scale to power its next-generation fleet.

 

The Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble  Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, graced the occasion, highlighting India’s commitment to sustainable maritime development. Shri Unmesh Sharad Wagh, IRS, Chairperson, JNPA, and CMD, VPPL, as well as Maersk’s top leadership, including Vincent Clerc, CEO, and Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals graced the event.

 

Gateway Terminals India, where the ceremony took place, is a key terminal operator at JNPA. The port’s strategic role in facilitating global trade and its push for green shipping solutions align with Maersk’s broader decarbonisation objectives.

 

The Albert Maersk is one of 18 large dual-fuel methanol vessels set to be delivered in 2024 and 2025. Constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the vessel has a capacity of 16,592 TEU. This dual-fuel fleet plays a key role in Maersk’s strategy to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. Methanol derived from bio and e-sources can cut GHG emissions by at least 65% compared to traditional fossil fuels like bunker oil, depending on the feedstock and production method used (evaluated on a life cycle basis). 

 

India’s role in the global shipping industry was further solidified with this landmark occasion, highlighting its increasing significance in maritime trade. It is a matter of great pride that this milestone took place at JNPA’s Gateway Terminals India, showcasing the port’s capabilities and commitment to sustainable maritime operations.