Laura Maersk (2023)
The Laura Maersk is a container ship owned and operated by the Danish shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk. Launched in 2023, it holds the distinction of being the world's first large container vessel to operate on methanol. Specifically, it utilizes green methanol, a more sustainable fuel source than traditional heavy fuel oil, aiming to reduce carbon emissions.
The ship's introduction marks a significant step in Maersk's strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across its entire business. The Laura Maersk serves as a testbed and proof-of-concept for alternative fuels in large-scale shipping, paving the way for the adoption of methanol-powered vessels within the wider maritime industry. Its performance and operation are being closely monitored to inform future developments and investments in green shipping technologies. The ship's name, "Laura Maersk," honors A.P. Moller's daughter, Laura Maersk, and represents the company's historical connection to its founder.