Now the maritime supply chain is facing the most serious challenge in history. Port congestion and container shortage have greatly reduced the efficiency of the supply chain.

For shipping companies, due to the stagnation of a large number of ships in the port, the shipping schedule they promised to customers can not be fulfilled, and the delivery of goods becomes very difficult. 

Many shippers began to doubt the reliability of shipping companies.

Relevant data show that Maersk's service level decreased in the first quarter of this year, and nearly 60% of ships were unable to deliver goods on time. But this is the best performance of all shipping companies.

At that time, Skou, head of Maersk, said he would make improvements and said he would improve the accuracy of shipping schedule to 80%.

But so far, the person in charge of Maersk is not confident in what he promised. 

Due to the recent rebound of epidemic in many countries, the shutdown of port workers and the closure of warehouses make this goal difficult to achieve.

Some port operators said that there are about 400 container ships waiting to berth outside some famous ports in the world, and the waiting time is generally more than half a month.

Some experts believe that the strong import demand in North America is the main reason for the confusion of the maritime supply chain. 

If it is not improved, it will exacerbate port congestion and container shortage. Unless changes are made to the supply of ships and containers.

Maersk announced an order for eight carbon neutral methanol container ships

According to relevant news, Maersk reached an agreement with modern heavy industry (HHI) on Tuesday to build eight large container ships powered by carbon neutral methanol or very low sulfur fuel oil.  

These ships are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 800000 tons per year. The eight ships will set sail in the first quarter of 2024.

HHI will build vessels with a capacity to tow approximately 16000 20 foot equivalent units. As part of the company's fleet renewal plan, they will replace old ships.

Maersk said that in order to ensure that the ship can use carbon neutralization electricity to produce methanol or sustainable biological methanol from the first day of operation.

Maersk will establish partnerships with relevant participants to complete the procurement of relevant materials and strive to achieve this goal.

Maersk also said that about half of its top 100 customers have set a zero carbon target. 

As consumers and companies seek more sustainable products and emission reductions in their supply chains, the demand for alternative fuel ships that transport goods around the world may increase.