A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has signed three separate cooperation framework agreements with the China Classification Society (CCS) to join forces in researching and developing new carbon-neutral technologies.
The agreements focus on technological innovation projects, life-cycle green fuel availability and infrastructure and design for carbon-neutral vessels.
Both parties have planned to invite research institutes to also join the project.
“Maersk has set a clear and ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. China, as a globally leading maritime and shipbuilding nation, will be a crucial partner towards ensuring that our industry will be able to respond effectively to the climate change challenge,” said Jens Eskelund, Managing Director of Maersk China Limited.
“We are very pleased to join hands with CCS to collaborate on carbon-neutral technologies and standards and explore the opportunities for international cooperation within sustainable and zero-carbon shipping.”
Mo Jianhui, Chairman and President of CCS, added “Maersk is already a front runner in energy efficiency and decarbonisation. By joining hands with Maersk, I believe we can develop the right set of standards, rules and technical solutions for the benefit of the whole industry.”
“We believe that open-minded discussions and trusted partnerships are key to make that happen, which will also contribute to China’s ambition of realising the pledge of reaching peak emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060.”
Maersk is already accelerating its efforts to decarbonise marine operations. This can be seen in its recent investment in Prometheus Fuels, a Silicon Valley start-up company that is developing technology to produce carbon-based electrofuels from direct air capture of CO2.
With the investment, Maersk is hoping to utilise its direct air capture technology to produce cost-efficient and carbon-neutral eFuels for the shipping industry.
