Maersk Welcomes 5,800 DWT Container Vessel Maersk Fukuoka from Imabari Shipbuilding
Danish shipping giant A.P. Møller – Mærsk has welcomed the 5,800 dwt container vessel, Maersk Fukuoka, built by Japanese shipbuilding powerhouse Imabari Shipbuilding.
The vessel, classified by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), was officially handed over on January 30 during a ceremony at Imabari’s Hiroshima shipyard.
Maersk Fukuoka: Technical Specifications
According to Imabari Shipbuilding, Maersk Fukuoka features:
- Length: 254.94 meters
- Width: 40 meters
- Depth: 21.7 meters
- Gross tonnage: 57,907 tons
Advanced Emission Control Technologies
The Panama-flagged containership is designed with advanced emission control systems to comply with strict environmental regulations:
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): The main engine is fitted with EGR technology, which reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by recirculating a portion of exhaust gas back into the engine’s air intake. This ensures compliance with NOx Tier III regulations.
- Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR): To further meet NOx Tier III standards, the generator engine is equipped with SCR technology. This system injects urea (an ammonia-based solution) into the exhaust gas stream before it passes through a catalyst, converting harmful NOx into harmless nitrogen and water.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
To optimize propulsion and environmental performance, Imabari Shipbuilding has implemented the following:
- Energy-saving devices near the propeller for improved efficiency
- Friction-reducing hull coating to minimize resistance in seawater
- A significantly reduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) Emission Reduction Index (EEDI), ensuring lower emissions per ton of cargo transported per nautical mile
Furthermore, Maersk Fukuoka is equipped with a ballast water treatment system and complies with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. It also maintains an inventory of hazardous materials (IHM) as part of its environmental sustainability measures.
Imabari Shipbuilding’s Recent Vessel Deliveries
Over the past three weeks, Imabari Shipbuilding has been actively delivering vessels, particularly in the bulker segment. Between January 10 and January 29, the company delivered:
- Four 64,000 dwt bulk carriers: Madorosu, Norse Expansion, Ultra Confidence, and Theodore Veniamis (199.98 meters each)
- Two 40,000 dwt bulkers: Ken Citrus and SSI Formidable II (182.93 meters each)
Maersk’s Ongoing Green Fleet Expansion
Maersk continues to advance its climate neutrality ambitions by investing in an eco-friendly fleet.
In December 2024, the company placed an order for 20 liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel containerships at two Chinese and one South Korean shipyard. These vessels, ranging from 9,000 to 17,000 TEU, are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
Most recently, Maersk held a welcoming ceremony for its methanol-ready, 12,800 TEU boxship, Maersk Eunapolis. The vessel was delivered on January 21, 2025, at Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU)’s shipyard.
Conclusion
With the addition of Maersk Fukuoka, Maersk continues to reinforce its commitment to sustainable shipping solutions while expanding its fleet with energy-efficient, low-emission vessels. The company’s ongoing investments in LNG- and methanol-powered ships further highlight its long-term strategy to meet global decarbonization goals.
