Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, has kindly accepted to be named godmother of A.P. Moller – Maersk’s new feeder vessel, the world’s first ever container vessel sailing on green methanol.

The Commission President will formally name the vessel at a ceremony in Copenhagen on September 14, where it arrives on its maiden voyage, before heading to its regular operational route in the Baltic Sea. The Danish flagged 172-meter-long vessel is a key milestone for A.P. Moller – Maersk’s plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2040 across the entire business.

Vincent Clerc, CEO, A.P. Moller – Maersk Said, “Just a few years ago, this iconic ship was merely a vision. Now, it is a reality, and we are honored that Ursula von der Leyen has agreed to be its godmother. The European Commission, and especially its President, have been instrumental in steering the European continent towards an ambitious, green future. Our new vessel serves as a concrete example of the transformations that EU policies are supporting. This truly is the embodiment of the green deal in action.”