On 13th February, the world’s first large methanol-powered container ship “ANE MAERSK” made its maiden voyage to Yantian Port in Shenzhen.The ship docked smoothly at its berth in Yantian Port, marking another important milestone for Shenzhen ports in helping the country to achieve the “double carbon” goal..
According to the data, the global new ship orders for methanol-fuelled carriers have reached 120 ships in 2023, far exceeding the annual record of 47 ships in 2022.According to industry insiders, methanol is known as “liquid sunshine” because of its efficient combustion, clean emissions and renewable characteristics.”Anne-Maersk” is the first of 18 large methanol-powered container ships ordered by Maersk.With an overall length of 350.6 metres, a beam of 53.5 metres, a depth of 33.2 metres and a maximum capacity of more than 16,000 TEUs, the Anne-Maersk will be put into service in February 2024 on the Asia-Europe route using green methanol fuel.The vessel is equipped with the world’s largest power dual-fuel main engine, using methanol as the main fuel.”The Anne-Maersk is deployed on the Asia-Europe route, with Yantian being its last stop before leaving China for Europe with a full load of cargo.
For the maiden voyage of Anne-Maersk, Yantian International made full preparations and optimised the operation process to meet the berthing requirements of the new vessel.Meanwhile, during the vessel’s berthing at Yantian Port, Yantian Port used shore power to provide the required resources for the vessel.
Chen Wen, Duty Manager of Yantian International, said that by providing power to ships from shore-based power supply facilities, the power demand for heating, communication and lighting on board can be met, realising zero emission, zero pollution and zero noise during the docking period of ships.Yantian harbour fairway is naturally deep, unfrozen and silted all year round, with wide and well sheltered waters, excellent sea navigation conditions, low risk and safe navigation, which is an important prerequisite for the smooth implementation of ‘one pilotage’.”Mr Lee Koon Wah, Chairman of the Hong Kong Pilots Association Ltd, said.
At present, Yantian port area has a total of nearly 35 Asian and European routes, with an average of up to four Asian and European liners to Europe every day.At the same time, Yantian port area has the advantage of a natural deep-water harbour, with the only natural waterway in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Bay Area that is nearly 18m deep and 475m wide, not freezing or silting all year round, and can achieve all-weather and two-way navigation for 200,000-tonne ships, and meets the efficient entry and exit of ultra-large ships with “zero time difference” and “zero tidal difference”, which is the best way to guarantee the smooth operation of “one pilotage” for ships.To meet the efficient entry and exit of super-large ships is an important prerequisite to ensure the smooth implementation of “one-time pilotage” for ships. The berthing of Anne-Marshall has created a new green shipping solution for international shipping, and is also a recognition of the Yantian Port District’s deep ploughing of the intelligent green port.It is also a recognition of Yantian Port Area’s deep cultivation of intelligent green port.
The berthing of the Anne-Marshall not only marks the creation of another green shipping solution by international shipping, but also recognises Yantian Port’s deep commitment to smart green ports.
