A.P. Moller – Maersk will join Climate Group SteelZero, a global initiative that brings together organisations to accelerate the transition to a net-zero steel industry, in partnership with Responsible Steel.
"Steel is an integral part of our value chain. We use it in our ships, containers, terminals, and warehouses and therefore, it is a pivotal part of our decarbonisation efforts," said Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Fleet & Strategic Brands at A.P. Moller – Maersk.
More than 700 vessels operated by the Danish ocean carrier are projected to be recycled in the next decade, many of which are post-Panamax size ships with steel making up approximately 90% of their weight.
Furthermore, according to Thygesen, the steel industry is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2), contributing around 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and it is, therefore, imperative to find a low-carbon process for primary steelmaking to adhere to the 1.5°C pathway in this industry.
Palle Laursen, senior vice president & chief technical officer of A.P. Moller - Maersk explained that global ship recycling volumes are expected to nearly double by 2028 and quadruple by 2033. "Recycled steel will progressively be recognised as a viable raw material for steel consumers with net-zero emissions targets," he noted.
By joining SteelZero, Maersk collaborates with like-minded industry organisations committed to demanding net-zero steel and boosting a rapid scale-up in developing a policy framework toward its responsible production and sourcing, according to a statement.
"Maersk's substantial purchasing power and influence is a serious addition to the SteelZero membership. Their voice, alongside eighteen other forwarding looking businesses, will enhance the demand signal for net-zero steel, and help drive change at the scale and pace needed," commented Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group SteelZero.
