With the smash of a rope-tied bottle of Piper-Heidsieck champagne hitting the bow and a loud horn blast, a cheer went up as the first green cargo ship to visit the U.S. was officially named and christened at the Port of Los Angeles on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Named the “Alette Maersk” — for Alette Maersk Mc-Kinney Sørensen, a daughter of the company’s founding family — a tarp covering the name was dropped during the ceremony to unveil the new moniker.
The massive, 350-meter-long cargo ship rolled out by A.P. Moller – Maersk took center stage as hundreds of invited guests marveled at the sight of the docked vessel in the Outer Harbor, before listening to speakers hailing its significance. Many folks later went aboard for tours, which will continue for the public on Wednesday, Aug. 28, for those who have already signed up early and have reservations.
Maersk — a Danish shipping and logistics company founded in 1904 by Arnold Peter Møller and his father, Peter Mærsk Møller — has ordered 20 additional methanol-enabled vessels and has partnered with Nike in its efforts to develop and produce clean ships.
The ship, which can carry 16,592 container units, is the fifth container vessel in the Maersk fleet that can sail on green methanol, an alternative to conventional bunker oil.
The company aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its fleet by 2040 under the logo “All the Way to Zero,” Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc said.
“Close to 3% of the world’s greenhouse gases are emitted from ships, making the shipping industry a significant contributor to environmental impact,” Clerc said in his formal remarks. “While moving goods by sea is by far the most effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, the sheer volume (90% of all trade is ocean-based) leads to a substantial carbon footprint.
“If we look beyond shipping and include planes, trucks, railroads, ports and warehouses – the global supply chain accounts for 11%,” he…
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