Only two Top 10 shipping lines, initially CMA CGM and later Maersk, have opted to choose both methanol and LNG for their (mainline vessel) newbuildings. This week’s Alphaliner chart shows each carrier’s recent newbuilding activity (since 2020) and the shipping lines’ respective order books. It clearly illustrates how divided carriers are on the matter.
All of the Top 10 ocean carriers, which nowadays operate a combined 84% share of the world’s container ship capacity, have finally committed to vessels with alternative propulsion options.
The shipping lines have procured – or will procure in some cases – this tonnage both through direct ownership and by means of long-term charter contracts.
A survey of the world’s leading shipping lines, however, shows that there is no clear ‘winner’ when it comes to long-term emissions reduction strategies – some carriers were early adopters of new fuels, while others joined the party late.
Then again, the sector is very much divided when it comes to fuel preference. Some have placed their bets on LNG, while others have gone for methanol. Some have embarked on a multi-fuel strategy quite early on, while others, who initially only considered one fuel option, later decided to change course and embrace other fuels as well.
Source: Alphaliner
