Swiss marine power specialist WinGD has marked another milestone in the maritime sector’s decarbonisation journey with the successful delivery of the Tema Mærsk, a new methanol-capable container vessel powered by the company’s X82DF-M/E multi-fuel engine platform.
The vessel was officially named at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China, with representatives from WinGD and A.P. Moller – Maersk attending the ceremony. The delivery highlights the growing commitment among major shipping companies to invest in vessels capable of operating on alternative fuels as the industry seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
The Tema Mærsk is one of a series of six 9,000 TEU dual-fuel container vessels ordered by Maersk in 2023. The ships are equipped with WinGD’s X-DF-M engine technology, designed to operate on both conventional marine fuels and methanol. The installation of the X82DF-M/E engine represents an important expansion of WinGD’s methanol engine portfolio, extending the technology to larger 82-bore engines and providing shipowners with greater flexibility as alternative fuel markets continue to develop.
A key feature of the engine platform is its compatibility with multiple alcohol-based fuels. While optimised for methanol, the engine also offers inherent readiness for ethanol and other future alcohol fuels, allowing operators to adapt to evolving fuel availability and regulatory requirements without being tied to a single fuel pathway.
WinGD Chief Executive Officer Dominik Schneiter described the delivery as another important step in shipping’s transition towards lower-carbon operations. He noted that collaboration between technology providers and forward-looking shipowners is essential in delivering propulsion solutions capable of meeting today’s commercial and environmental requirements while remaining adaptable for the future.
The delivery also reinforces Maersk’s position as one of the shipping industry’s leading proponents of alternative fuels. The company has invested heavily in methanol-powered vessels as part of its wider ambition to reduce emissions across its global fleet and support the development of greener supply chains.
Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology at Maersk, emphasised the importance of future-proof engine technology in ensuring the flexibility and reliability required by global trade. He also highlighted the need for close cooperation between shipowners, regulators, fuel suppliers, infrastructure providers and engine manufacturers to successfully accelerate the maritime energy transition.
