Maersk and Nike to Christen Historic Green-Fueled Container Vessel

A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has invited the public to come aboard a container ship of the future when one of the world’s first methanol-enabled vessels arrives in Los Angeles this August.

Powered by green fuel for its maiden voyage and capable of carrying more than 16,000 containers (TEU), the vessel will get its new name at a private ceremony at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbor on Tuesday, August 27.

Maersk’s CEO Vincent Clerc will be on hand, alongside special guest speakers from Nike and leading state and local officials. As a partner in the name-giving event, Nike shares Maersk’s deep commitment to decarbonizing supply chains.

Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Nike Chief Supply Chain Officer said: "Nike is committed to protecting the future of sport and we leverage science-based targets to guide us through our Move to Zero journey.

"Operating one of the largest supply chains in the world, we have a responsibility to advance the innovation and use of more sustainable methods that get us closer to zero carbon and zero waste.

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"By working with suppliers like Maersk, who share our commitment to sustainability, we are scaling our use of biofuels in ocean transportation, our main first-mile delivery channel."

Charles van der Steene, Regional President for Maersk North America said: "This event is not only an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable engineering achievement, but the chance to highlight that we can navigate towards more sustainable supply chains if we work together."

On Wednesday, August 28, Maersk has invited the public to tour the 350-meter-long vessel, which will be sailing from Asia.

Visitors will be able to see the Sailors’ living quarters and even stand on the bridge from where the captain controls the vessel. Public tours will require visitors register for a free ticket via an online registration site that will be activated and announced in August.

This is the fifth container vessel in Maersk’s fleet that can sail on green methanol, an alternative to conventional bunker oil. 

Read More: Maersk Becomes First Major Shipping Line to Have Climate Targets Validated