In a historic first for India, A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk) held the naming ceremony of its latest 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. The event marked the first time a global shipping line hosted such a ceremony in India, underscoring the country’s growing role in Maersk’s strategy to scale up alternative fuel adoption for its next-generation fleet.

The ceremony was graced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse. Also present were JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh alongside Maersk’s top leadership, including CEO Vincent Clerc and APM Terminals CEO Keith Svendsen.

Gateway Terminals India, the venue for the event, is a key player in JNPA’s operations, aligning with Maersk’s broader decarbonization goals. The port’s strategic role in global trade and commitment to green shipping solutions further highlight India’s push for sustainable maritime development.

The vessel, named Albert Maersk, is one of 18 large dual-fuel methanol ships slated for delivery in 2024 and 2025. Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the ship boasts a capacity of 16,592 TEU. These dual-fuel vessels are central to Maersk’s ambition of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040. Methanol derived from bio and e-sources can reduce GHG emissions by at least 65% compared to conventional fossil fuels, depending on the feedstock and production methods used.

This milestone further cements India’s growing importance in global maritime trade. Hosting such a significant event at JNPA’s Gateway Terminals India not only underscores the port’s capabilities but also highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices.