A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is inviting the public to come aboard a container ship of the future 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 containers (TEU), the vessel will get its new name at a private ceremony at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbor on Tuesday, August 27. Note: Maersk defines green fuels as fuels with at least 65% reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to fossil reference fuels.

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 decarbonizing supply chains.

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

“This event is not only an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable engineering achievement, but the chance to highlight that we can navigate towards more sustainable supply chains if we work together,” Charles van der Steene, Regional President for Maersk North America.

On Wednesday, August 28, Maersk invites the public to tour the 350-m vessel, which will be sailing from Asia. Visitors will be able to see the sailors’ living quarters and even stand on the bridge from where the captain controls the vessel. Public tours will require visitors register for a free ticket via an online registration site that will be activated and announced in August.

This is the fifth container vessel in Maersk’s fleet that can sail on green methanol, an alternative to conventional bunker oil. Maersk continues to explore and study various alternative fuels in pursuit of its goal to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2040.

In addition, Maersk's new container ships 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.