HMM Introduces 'Greenho,' Korea's First Methanol Fuel Container Ship

9000TEU Class... Deployment on India-Mediterranean FIM Route
A Total of Nine Eco-Friendly Vessels to Be Delivered by the First Half of Next Year

HMM announced on the 25th that it has acquired the 9000TEU (1TEU = one 20-foot container) class eco-friendly container ship 'HMM Green' (HMM Green).

HMM's 9000TEU-class methanol-fueled container ship 'HMM Green'. Photo by HMM

The HMM Green uses bio-methanol, an eco-friendly fuel. It is the first container ship among the nine 9000TEU class vessels ordered by HMM in February 2023 from HD Hyundai Samho (7 ships) and HJ Heavy Industries (2 ships) to strengthen its eco-friendly competitiveness. Bio-methanol is produced using waste resources such as used tires, and compared to conventional fossil fuels, it can reduce carbon emissions by more than 65%, sulfur oxides (SOx) by 100%, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%.

The introduction of methanol-fueled container ships has further enhanced HMM's eco-friendly competitiveness. Under the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), if a fuel reduces carbon emissions by more than 65%, the carbon emissions are considered zero, thereby reducing the associated costs. It also contributes to HMM meeting this year's reduction target (2% reduction compared to the previous year) required by European maritime fuel regulations.

HMM explained that in addition to the fuel, various eco-friendly technologies have been applied to the HMM Green. It is equipped with essential facilities required at major ports worldwide, including nitrogen oxide reduction devices necessary for operations in the North American region, onshore power supply facilities (AMP) and electric heaters (replacing boiler functions) to prevent pollutants emitted during generator use while docked at ports, and ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) to prevent disruption of marine ecosystems. The HMM Green will be deployed on the India-Mediterranean route FIM.

Starting with the HMM Green, HMM plans to sequentially receive a total of nine vessels by the first half of next year. An HMM official stated, "With the recent expansion of eco-friendly fuel ships such as methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG), we are getting closer to achieving HMM's '2045 Net Zero' goal," adding, "We will actively participate in research and development of various next-generation eco-friendly fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen to continuously practice eco-friendly management."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.