LAURA Mærsk, the world’s first container ship to sail on green methanol, was formally named this morning by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during its historic christening ceremony.
The name has enormous symbolic value for the Danish shipping company. It was in fact the name of the group’s first ship purchased in 1886 by Captain Peter Mærsk Møller.
It was also the first vessel to wear the iconic seven-point white star on a light blue background.
“Like her ancestor, the new LAURA Mærsk marks the beginning of a new era for our industry,” said Leonardo Sonzio, Head of Fleet Management and Technology at Maersk. “By having a methanol-enabled engine, she is not only first of her kind – she also marks an important step on our journey towards net zero emissions in 2040. We are writing important history here, and I couldn’t think of a more fitting name for the vessel.”
Translation by Giles Foster
