MAERSK’S first methanol-enabled containership was named Laura Maersk in a ceremony on Thursday (14 September) at the Port of Copenhagen.
The vessel was officially named by the ship’s godmother, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who christened the vessel by breaking a champagne bottle over the bow.
In addition to Ms Von Der Leyen, Maersk Chair Robert Uggla and Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc also spoke at the ceremony.
Mr Clerc said the vessel is a historic milestone for shipping across the globe.
“It shows the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised Maersk since the founding of the company,” he said.
“However, more importantly this vessel is a very realproof point that when we as an industry unite through determined efforts and partnerships, a tangible and optimistic path toward a sustainable future emerges. This new green vessel is the breakthrough we needed, but we still have a long way to go before we make it all the way to zero.”
Laura is a Maersk name deeply rooted in some of the company’s very early innovative landmarks. When Captain Peter Maersk Moller bought his first steamship in 1886, he named it Laura. With its steam engine, Laura was a product of the second industrial revolution, making its impact on the shipping industry significant.
Furthermore, Laura was the first vessel to wear the white seven-pointed star on a light blue background. This symbol later would become the logo of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
The company said the 2100 TEU feeder vessel Laura Maersk is an important step toward the long-term objective of gradually renewing its fleet to operate solely on green fuels.
Maersk has 24 additional methanol vessels on order for delivery between 2024 and 2027 and a policy to only order new, owned vessels that come with a green fuel option.
