The world’s first methanol-enabled container vessel will carry the name Laura Mærsk. The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed this today, 14 September, at a ceremony in Copenhagen.
The name was revealed in the Port of Copenhagen on Thursday during a ceremony, when the ship’s godmother, President Von der Leyen, christened the vessel by breaking a champagne bottle over the bow. Besides the godmother, Maersk Chair Robert Uggla and Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc also spoke at the ceremony.
‘Laura Maersk is a historic milestone for shipping across the globe,’ says Clerc. ‘It shows the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterised Maersk since the founding of the company. However, more importantly this vessel is a very real proof 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.’
Also read: Maersk takes delivery of first methanol container ship
Laura Maersk
Laura is a proud 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 Laura Maersk is a 2100 TEU feeder vessel that measures 172 x 32 metres. It sails under the flag of Denmark. Watch a timelapse video of its construction and a video of its maiden voyage below.
Also read: Maersk orders six more methanol-powered container ships
2040 target
Maersk has an ambitious 2040 target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions and aims to transport a minimum of 25 per cent of ocean cargo using green fuels by 2030. In addition to the Laura Maersk, 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.
Picture (top): The Laura Maersk in Copenhagen (by Maersk).
Also read: Maersk to pioneer container ship conversion to methanol dual-fuel engine
