EU Commission President names landmark methanol vessel Laura Mærsk

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 Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clerc also spoke at the ceremony.

Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, said:

"Laura Maersk is a historic milestone for shipping across the globe. It shows the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterized Maersk since the founding of the company. However, more importantly this vessel is a very realproof 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."

“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 her “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.