Maersk, Nike welcome green-fuelled container vessel at Port of Los Angeles

A.P. Moller–Maersk (Maersk) has invited the public to come aboard a containership 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 TEU, the vessel will get its new name at a private ceremony at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbor on 27 August.

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 decarbonising supply chains.

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

Maersk’s new containerships have several innovative design features that set them apart from traditional container vessels, including the positioning of its crew accommodation and bridge at the bow and a single funnel at the stern. These design elements allow for increased container capacity and improved efficiency during port operations. Maersk has ordered 20 additional methanol-enabled vessels.

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

“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. 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.”

Just recently, Maersk’s second big vessel capable of running on green methanol arrived in Koper (Slovenia) for the first time.