“In 2019, we succeeded in making a lot of progress in all dimensions,” commented CEO Rolf Habben Jansen. “For example, we further reduced our specific CO2 emissions, strengthened our social commitment and made huge investments in the quality of our service.”
Hapag-Lloyd claimed it will support the International Maritime Organization (IMO) vision for further decarbonisation of ocean-going shipping, being the first shipping company to start converting a large container ship to operate using a more climate-friendly liquid natural gas (LNG) propulsion system. The Hamburg-based company expects that the conversion work on the container vessel “Sajir” to commence in the fourth quarter of 2020.
CMA CGM has also invested in LNG-powered fleet. In September 2019, the French shipping firm announced the launching of the first 23,000TEU ship from a mega-order of nine LNG-powered container vessels.
However, there are many industry voices that are fighting LNG use, as they believe that some LNG-fuelled vessels will suffer from methane slip, where the potent global warming gas is released into the atmosphere through the exhaust.
Hapag-Lloyd also mentioned in its report that it has been well-prepared for the new IMO2020 regulations, that have been in force since 1 January 2020. The German carrier has made all the necessary conversions to its fleet with approximately 95% of its vessels operating on low-sulphur fuel oils, which emit over 70% less sulphur oxides than the heavy fuel oil.
