DANISH shipping giant Maersk's sixth vessel in its fleet that can run on methanol in both its main and auxiliary engines has been named 'Alexandra Maersk' at a celebration at the Port of Felixstowe attended by UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane, International Maritime Organization (IMO) representatives, customers and company staff.

Elaine Condon, director of people & culture at Primark, serves as the ship's godmother, highlighting Maersk's tight logistical and sustainability collaboration with its customer Primark.

Alexandra Maersk is the fifth of 18 huge dual-fuel methanol vessels that will be delivered between 2024 and 2025, according to London's Port Technology International.

According to Maersk, each vessel can transport more than 16,000 TEU.

UK's Maritime Minister, Mr Kane said: "This is exactly the kind of innovation we need to deliver a greener, cleaner maritime sector which is better for people and for our planet. Delivering greener transport is one of our top priorities and we will do so by reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and investing in alternative fuels and technologies."

Maersk's ECO Delivery Ocean is based on low-GHG emission fuels such as biodiesel, which is utilized on Maersk boats across the fleet, and now green methanol, which its newest vessels, such as the 'Alexandra Maersk', can sail on.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, stated: "It's great to see customers like Primark taking action and partner with us to decarbonize ocean transport. True progress in the green transformation requires collective effort. To accelerate the transformation, we need the IMO help closing the price gap between green and fossil fuels to make the green choice the best choice for all."

Alexandra Maersk is named after Alexandra Maersk-Moller (1868-1953), an elder sister of A P Moller, the founder of AP Moller-Maersk, in keeping with the company's practice of naming vessels after founding family members.