
A New Chapter in Sustainable Shipping
In a landmark ceremony held on a sunny Tuesday at the bustling Port of Los Angeles, Maersk, one of the world’s leading shipping companies, proudly christened its latest environmentally-friendly vessel, the Alette Maersk.
This event marked not only the introduction of Maersk's fourth ultra-large container vessel (ULCV) powered by green methanol but also the first time such a ship has completed a transpacific crossing.
The christening of the Alette Maersk signifies a critical step forward in the global shipping industry’s transition toward sustainable and eco-friendly fuel alternatives, a move that is essential for combating climate change and reducing the carbon footprint of international trade.

The Alette Maersk is part of a groundbreaking series of 16,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) dual-fuel container ships, capable of running on both conventional fuels and green methanol. This latest addition to the Maersk fleet was delivered earlier this year by a South Korean shipyard, known for its advanced shipbuilding techniques and commitment to innovation.
The vessel's arrival at the Port of Los Angeles on August 26 was a significant moment, as it symbolized the potential of green methanol as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels in the maritime industry.
Upon arriving at the port, the Alette Maersk efficiently offloaded its cargo before being transferred to a designated pier in the San Pedro Outer Harbor, where the much-anticipated naming ceremony took place. The event was a grand affair, co-hosted by Nike, a global leader in sportswear that has long been an advocate for sustainability. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Chloe Kim, an internationally renowned snowboarder and two-time Olympic gold medalist, who took on the honored role of the ship’s sponsor.
As the sponsor, Kim was given the ceremonial duty of bestowing the vessel with its name, a tradition steeped in maritime history, symbolizing good fortune and safe travels for the ship and its crew.
This christening is part of Maersk's broader strategy to pioneer the use of green methanol in shipping, an initiative that has seen rapid progress in recent months. The Alette Maersk follows closely on the heels of her sister ship, the Antonia Maersk, which was named in a similar ceremony in Aarhus, Denmark, just two weeks prior. These vessels are not just symbols of technological advancement but also of Maersk’s commitment to leading the maritime industry toward a more sustainable future.
Despite the excitement surrounding the vessel’s green capabilities, the journey ahead is fraught with challenges. While the Alette Maersk is fully equipped to operate on green methanol, the availability of this fuel is currently limited, particularly in the United States. As a result, the ship will use conventional Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) for her return voyage to East Asia. This highlights a significant hurdle in the widespread adoption of green methanol: the need for a robust and reliable supply chain.
During the christening ceremony, Maersk’s CEO, Vincent Clerc, delivered a powerful speech that underscored the urgency of this issue. He emphasised that while the introduction of dual-fuel vessels like the Alette Maersk is a critical first step, it is not sufficient to achieve the deep decarbonisation needed in global shipping. Clerc called for immediate, coordinated action across all industries to create a regulatory environment that supports the development and affordability of green fuels.
"Our new series of dual-fuel vessels is a start, but it’s not a sustainable solution. We need immediate, coordinated action across all industries. By 2030, we aim to transport 25% of our ocean cargo using low-emissions fuel. But achieving this target requires systemic change.
We urgently need regulation that makes green fuels viable and affordable," Clerc stated, urging both the public and private sectors to work together to drive the necessary changes.
The significance of this event was somewhat marred by external factors, as Maersk’s plans to offer public tours of the Alette Maersk the following day were abruptly canceled. The cancellation came after Maersk received an early warning about a planned protest. The protest was organized by groups calling for Maersk to cease the transportation of all weapons and weapons components worldwide. The protestors aimed to disrupt the supply of American-made defense systems to Israel, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and the complex role of shipping companies in global supply chains.
Despite this setback, the Alette Maersk continued her mission, setting sail once again on Wednesday night, bound for Tacoma.
This voyage marks the continuation of Maersk's ambitious journey toward sustainability, as the company navigates the complex and often challenging waters of global commerce with an unwavering commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
As Maersk continues to roll out its fleet of methanol-powered vessels, the company remains at the forefront of the shipping industry’s efforts to transition to greener, more sustainable practices. The Alette Maersk and her sister ships are more than just state-of-the-art vessels; they are symbols of a new era in maritime history, where the pursuit of profit and the preservation of the planet can go hand in hand.
The road to a fully sustainable maritime industry is long, and the challenges are numerous. However, with each new vessel, Maersk is charting a course toward a future where shipping is not only a vital component of global trade but also a leader in environmental stewardship. The Alette Maersk is not just another container ship; it is a beacon of hope for a more sustainable world, one where innovation and responsibility guide the way forward.