A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has revealed the official name of the first methanol-enabled container vessel, ‘Laura Maersk’.
The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, revealed the name at a ceremony in Copenhagen on 14 September.
This naming comes after Ursula von der Leyen agreed to name Maersk’s new feeder vessel in June.
Besides von der Leyen, Maersk Chair, Robert Uggla and Maersk Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Clerc, also spoke at the ceremony.
Clerc said: “Laura Maersk is a historic milestone for shipping across the globe. It shows the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised Maersk since the founding of the company.
“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.”
READ: Maersk explores first methanol dual-fuel retrofit for containerships
‘Laura’ was a product of the second industrial revolution, with its steam engine, reported the shipping line. ‘Laura’ was also the first ship to wear the white seven-pointed star on a light blue backdrop.
This symbol would subsequently become the A.P. Moller – Maersk logo.
In July 2023, Maersk announced the delivery of the world’s first containership powered by green methanol.
