Maersk suspended 15 methanol-powered container ships order from a Chinese shipbuilder

Maersk, the world’s second-largest shipping company, has reportedly postponed an order for 15 methanol-powered container ships from a Chinese shipbuilder. The delay is reportedly due to Maersk’s objections to design drawings submitted by the Chinese shipbuilder, according to Tradewinds’ report on May 8.

Maersk recently informed Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding and Shipping Corporation (CSSC), that it would postpone the order. It will reportedly reconsider the project by the second half of this year. Industry watchers think it unusual as Maersk has just placed the order 4 month ago.

Photo: Maersk’s container ship powered by methanol

Maersk signed a deal with the company in December last year to order up to 15 (6+9) 3,500 TEU container ships. The contract is worth up to a total of US$1.02 billion. Those ships are designed to be powered by renewable methanol-a sustainable fuel for decarbonization of maritime sector.

It is not clear why Maersk decided to suspend the project. Insiders of the Korean shipbuilding industry believe the