The first methanol-powered container ship to dock in the Port of Los Angeles – or anywhere in the United States – will open for public tours on Wednesday, August 28, following two days of media events.
Only the Wednesday tour is open to the public – however, these reservations are now closed.
Nevertheless, this is the fifth container ship in the AP Moller – Maersk fleet that can run on green methanol, an alternative to conventional bunker oil. Maersk is investigating various alternative fuels to meet its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The dual-fuel engine runs on both green methanol and conventional marine fuels.
It is the fourth ship in a fleet of 18 “All the Way to Zero” cargo ships planned and ordered by AP Moller-Maersk.
The vessel arrived in port a few days ago and unloaded its cargo at Pier 400 of APM Terminals.
The celebrations, which will be open to the media early next week, will include the announcement of the ship’s name.
The ship is larger than most other ships currently sailing the seas, measuring approximately 346 meters in length and 53 meters in width.
It has 10 cargo holds and can transport 16,592 TEUs or 20-foot container units.
The ship is part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ocean-going vessels pose a particular challenge because there are no uniform regulations for them and the vessels remain in service for long periods of time, making replacement expensive.
When the ship docks in San Pedro’s outer harbor, it will be surrounded by heavy security forces that will deny public access.
