[071213.EN.SEA] Maersk Line's 18,000-TEU Mary Maersk named at PSA's Pasir Panjang

THE third of Maersk Line's latest Triple-E class of vessels has been named Mary Maersk at a ceremony at PSA's Pasir Panjang terminal in Singapore.

This was the first time Maersk Line has named one of its ships in Singapore, and the sponsor of the vessel was Temasek Holdings CEO Ho Ching.

"I name you Mary Maersk," Ms Ho said. "As you sail the waters of the world, may your journeys be smooth and your tasks successful. May you bring happiness to the crew and be a safe haven for all who board you, and may you bring prosperity and pride to all. I wish you God speed!"

Said Maersk group CEO Nils S Andersen: "The AP Moller Maersk Group has been operating in Singapore for nearly four decades, and has steadily grown its business presence and investments here. We are very pleased to have the first-ever naming of one of our containerships in Singapore. This is a significant milestone for the AP Moller Maersk Group and it confirms our long-term commitment and strong partnership with Singapore and our stakeholders here."

Besides the headquarters in Denmark, this is the only other country where the group has more than 10 business units and functions operating. The group is also one of the largest shipowners in Singapore, with 120 vessels and rigs flying the Singapore flag.

The vessel is named after the Maersk founder's sister, Mary Christine Eleonora Maersk-Moller. It is the first time a Maersk ship has been given the name Mary Maersk.

Senior executives from the Transport Ministry of Singapore, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA were among the guests who also took a tour of the vessel.

The Triple-E ships are designed for lower speeds and maximum efficiency, and will emit 50 per cent less CO2 per container than the current average on the Asia-Europe route. Maersk Line has ordered 20 of these vessels, which are being phased in on its AE-10 service until 2015.

The Mary Maersk is currently on its maiden voyage, and after its naming, it will set sail for the Shenzhen-Yantian.

Source : HKSG.