A.P. Moller – Maersk’s (Maersk) second big vessel capable of running on green methanol arrived in Koper (Slovenia) for the first time.
Astrid Maersk succeeds her sister unit, Ane Maersk, which was founded earlier this year, and emphasises Maersk’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Astrid Maersk arrived in the Slovenian port from Port Said in Egypt, where she continued her trip via Trieste (Italy), Tangier (Morocco), and Singapore.
The Port of Koper is a multifunctional port that accepts all forms of goods. The port’s overall throughput in 2023 was 22.3 million tonnes, which included 1 million TEU and 916.728 automobiles, making Koper the largest container terminal in the Adriatic and one of Europe’s most significant carports.
READ: Port of Koper container throughput declines 8 per cent
Over the next five years, their purpose will be to deliver dependable, high-quality port services in accordance with sustainable development principles, with the goal of being the top choice among ports on the southern European trade route.
The port’s expansion will be centred on boosting infrastructural capacity, expediting the implementation of the smart port concept, providing enough manpower, and prioritising sustainability and minimising negative environmental and societal repercussions.
READ: Maersk’s green-powered vessel to call at Gothenburg
Ivić Vodopija, Country Manager for East Adriatic and Central Europe at Maersk, said: “Astrid Maersk, together with her sister vessels, enbodies our ambitions in the areas of sustainability and innovation.”
Gregor Belič, Member of the Management Board at Port of Koper, stated: “Over the past few years, we have been electrifying our machinery, replacing many with the most environmentally friendly electric ones. Furthermore, our most ambitious project, the electrification of the quayside, will allow all cargo ships to connect directly to shore electricity by 2029, marking a major step in our climate transition efforts.”
