Maersk names container ship A.P. Moller in Singapore

The 16,592 teu vessel is part of a series of 18 large dual-fuel methanol newbuildings that Maersk is taking delivery of during 2024 and 2025.

The vessel A.P. Møller was named in honour of Arnold Peter Møller, the founder of AP Moller – Maersk.  Chan Su-Shan, the wife of the Temasek Holdings CEO Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, was godmother to the vessel in ceremony hosted by Robert Uggla, Chair of the Board of Directors, A.P. Moller – Maersk.

The Danish-flagged container ship was built at Hyundai Heavy Industries and will go into service in December. Maersk has been at the forefront of using methanol as a green fuel for shipping and now has a total of nine methanol dual-fuel vessels.

Murali Pillai, Singapore Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Ministry of Transport, commented: “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey of decarbonising the maritime industry. The arrival of 'A.P. Møller' in Singapore not only showcases the advancements in shipping technology but also reinforces our commitment to support solutions that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

The naming ceremony was held in Tanjong Pagar Terminal where Singapore had its first container terminal in 1972. Today it has been decommissioned a container terminal and handles mainly car carriers. In future the area will be redeveloped as a commercial and housing district as Singapore gradually shifts all its container port operations to Tuas Port.

Ditlev Blicher, President of Asia Pacific at Maersk, This launch showcases our dedication to decarbonisation in the region. The energy transition of our industry is a joint-effort, and we are collaborating with authorities across the region, including Singapore, to advance decarbonisation initiatives.”

Blicher called an international GHG levy to be implemented to level the playing field between alternative and conventional marine fuels. “Now, we urge the International Maritime Organisation to adopt regulations that close the price gap between fossil and new fuels, encouraging even more customers to come onboard.”