Denmark-based Unifeeder Group, part of DP World, is ordering two more methanol-ready vessels for a new long-term charter agreement.
This follows a previous agreement for two initial methanol-capable vessels announced in October 2023, underscoring the group’s commitment to greener shipping solutions.
The latest agreement is in partnership with German ship owning group Elbdeich Reederei and Norwegian shipowner MPC Container Ships (MPCC), which will each be responsible for one vessel. The 1250 TEU vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2026, will be deployed on Unifeeder’s European network.
The addition of these new vessels reinforces the group’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions across its network. Simultaneously, Unifeeder is enhancing fuel efficiency throughout the fleet while increasing the use of biofuels in its conventional vessels. In alignment with its parent company, DP World, Unifeeder is collaborating with industry partners to address the challenge of renewable methanol supply. This requires off-take commitments to establish production at the scale needed to replace conventional fossil fuels within the industry.
Jesper Kristensen, Unifeeder Group CEO, said: “Building upon our commitment to methanol-powered vessels last year, this marks another significant stride towards the green transformation of our fleet and operations. We anticipate the vessels to enter into operation in the next two years, advancing our steadfast commitment to sustainable solutions. We offer our customers alternatives that align with their sustainability journeys while making meaningful progress towards our own ambitious decarbonisation goals.”
The investment in the two new additional ships further supports Unifeeder Group’s ambitious decarbonisation plan, in which it has committed to a 25% reduction of emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050 with no new fossil GHG emissions. It aims to achieve this by emphasising fuel-efficient practices, regular maintenance and refitting processes of the existing fleet and fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, sharing best practices across markets to drive effective CO2 reduction strategies.
Image: Unifeeder methanol-fuelled ship (source: Unifeeder)
