American sportswear corporation Nike will christen A.P. Moller–Maersk's new methanol-enabled containership at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbor on August 27, 2024. This cutting-edge vessel, powered by green fuel for its maiden voyage, can carry over 16,000 containers (TEUs). It will receive its new name during a private ceremony.

Maersk's innovative containerships stand out from traditional designs. Notably, they position crew accommodation and the bridge at the bow, with a single funnel at the stern. These features enhance container capacity and improve efficiency during port operations. The new 350-meter-long vessel will set sail from Asia.

As a partner in the name-giving event, Nike shares Maersk's commitment to decarbonizing supply chains. Maersk actively explores alternative fuels to achieve its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The company defines green fuels as those with at least 65% reductions in GHG emissions compared to fossil reference fuels.

Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Nike's Chief Supply Chain Officer, emphasized their dedication: "Nike is committed to protecting the future of sport, leveraging science-based targets to guide us through our Move to Zero journey. By working with suppliers like Maersk, who share our commitment to sustainability, we are scaling our use of biofuels in ocean transportation."

Charles van der Steene, Regional President for Maersk North America, highlighted the collaborative effort: "This event not only celebrates remarkable engineering but also underscores our ability to navigate toward more sustainable supply chains when we work together."

Maersk will christen another methanol-enabled vessel with Danish wind power major Vestas in the same month. Maersk's ambitious targets include achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, supported by the recent order of 24 dual-fuel containerships capable of operating on green methanol.

Earlier this year, Maersk christened its first large methanol-enabled vessel, Ane Maersk, in a ceremony held at H.D. Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea. The second large containership, Astrid Maersk, received its name on April 12.