HMM receives first methanol-powered newbuild in eco-friendly vessel series

South Korea’s flagship ocean carrier HMM has taken delivery of a 9,000 TEU, methanol-powered container ship.

The new vessel is named HMM Green and is the first of nine sister ships ordered in February 2023 from HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (seven vessels) and HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (two vessels).

HMM Green will be deployed on the company’s independently operated FIM (Far East Asia, India, and the Mediterranean Sea) service.

Starting with this delivery, HMM will gradually receive the remaining eight vessels by next year as part of its fleet expansion plan.

HMM Green will bunker bio-methanol, a renewable fuel derived from waste resources, at the Port of Shanghai in China. It is estimated that bio-methanol can reduce carbon emissions by up to 65%, eliminate sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, and cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional bunker fuel.

HMM said all vessels in this series are equipped with environmental technologies required by major global ports, so they will be able to operate across all trade routes without restrictions. They also meet EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime regulations.

An HMM official stated: “This new vessel delivery is expected to accelerate HMM’s goal of achieving Net-Zero by 2045. To enhance our competitiveness, we will continue to explore and adopt various fuel options.”

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