Global shipping giants partner on green fuels

Denmark’s Maersk and France’s CMA CGM have partnered on decarbonising the global shipping industry, the two logistics giants announced on Tuesday.

Efforts will work to up usage of alternative green fuels in container shipping propulsion, including developing standards and a framework for mass production of green methane and green methanol.

The two shipping companies will also work together to research new alternative fuels such as ammonia and green technologies for vessels.

Maersk announced that it would set up a new company to produce green methanol at the christening of the world’s first vessel powered by methanol – the Laura Mærsk – held earlier in September.

CMA CGM has focused on ordering LNG-powered vessels that can also be powered by methanol.

“This partnership is a milestone for the decarbonisation of our industry. By combining the know-how and the expertise of two shipping leaders, we will accelerate the development of new solutions and technologies, enabling our industry to reach its carbon dioxide reduction targets,” said Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM.

Maersk and CMA CGM have both set goals to have net-zero carbon dioxide emissions from their operations by 2040 and 2050 respectively.

The shipping industry currently contributes 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions.