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Maersk

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A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S
Company typePublicly traded company
IndustryShipping, logistics, container shipping, terminal operations, supply chain management, warehousing, air freight, ferry transport, tanker shipping, offshore drilling rigs, FPSO units
Founded1 April 1904; 122 years ago (1904-04-01) in Svendborg, Denmark
FounderArnold Peter Møller and Peter Mærsk Møller
Headquarters
Copenhagen
,
Denmark
Area served
Worldwide (presence in more than 130 countries)
Key people
Vincent Clerc (CEO, since 2023), Robert M. Uggla (Chairman of the Board since 2022)
ProductsContainer shipping, terminal operations, supply chain management, warehousing, air freight services, ferry transport, tanker shipping, semi-submersible drilling rigs, FPSO units
RevenueUS$55.5 billion (2024)
Number of employees
108,160 (2024)
Websitewww.maersk.com

A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S—widely recognized simply as Maersk—is a Danish enterprise specializing in shipping and logistics, established in 1904 by Arnold Peter Møller alongside his father Peter Mærsk Møller.

Maersk's portfolio encompasses container shipping, terminal operations, supply chain management, warehousing, air freight services, ferry transport, tanker shipping, semi-submersible drilling rigs, and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units. Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the company maintains a presence across more than 130 nations and employs upwards of 100,000 personnel as of 2024.

Although publicly listed, the Møller family preserves significant influence over the company through various holding entities. In 2024, Maersk reported revenues amounting to US$55.5 billion.

History

The company originated in Svendborg in April 1904, founded by captain Peter Mærsk Møller (1836–1927) together with his son Arnold Peter (A. P.) Møller (1876–1965). A.P. Møller’s second son, (Arnold) Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller (1913–2012), joined as partner in 1939 and assumed leadership following his father’s passing. Leadership transitioned in 1993 when Jess Søderberg took over as CEO; however, Mærsk Mc-Kinney continued as chairman until 2003. Additionally, he chaired Odense Steel Shipyard until 2006.

In a strategic shift during 2016, A.P. Moller - Maersk divested its oil and gas divisions to concentrate exclusively on container logistics. The majority stake in Maersk Tankers transferred to A.P. Moller Holding in 2017; Maersk Oil was sold to TOTAL S.A. in 2018; and Maersk Drilling was spun off as an independent publicly traded entity in 2019.

The company experienced significant operational disruption due to the NotPetya ransomware cyberattack in 2017, which impacted its activities for several months.

In 2021, Maersk committed £1 billion towards acquiring eight carbon-neutral container vessels as part of its environmental sustainability initiatives. That year also saw its participation in the BEC Low-Carbon Charter to underscore its dedication to emission reductions.

September 2023 marked the introduction of Laura Mærsk, a methanol-powered feeder ship with a capacity of 2,100 TEU serving routes within the Baltic Sea. Earlier in the same year, Maersk placed orders for six additional methanol-fueled mid-sized container ships each capable of carrying 9,000 TEU.

In November 2023, Maersk entered into an agreement with Chinese firm Goldwind to secure an annual supply of 500KT of green fuels—including bio-methanol and e-methanol—produced through wind energy at a newly developed facility located in Northeast China. Deliveries are projected to commence in 2026.

The Maersk emblem displays a white star with seven points set against a light blue backdrop, first appearing in 1886 aboard Captain P. M. Møller's initial steamer, the s.s. LAURA. This symbol represents a vow made during a prayer for his wife's healing.

When The Steamship Company Svendborg was established in 1904, the star was adopted as the funnel insignia and house flag emblem. It was subsequently embraced by The Steamship Company of 1912 as well. Throughout the years, the design underwent subtle modifications, culminating in the contemporary version crafted in the early 1970s by Danish designer Acton Bjørn.

Maersk

Maersk Line stands as A. P. Moller–Maersk’s principal division by both revenue and workforce size, employing approximately 25,000 people as of 2012. By 2013, it claimed the title of the world’s largest international cargo carrier, operating a fleet exceeding 600 vessels with a combined capacity of 3.8 million twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers. As of January 2021, it controlled around 17% of global TEU capacity.

In 2006, Maersk launched what was then the largest container ship, , constructed at Odense Steel Shipyard. This vessel was followed by seven sister ships. In 2011, an order was placed for ten larger Triple E class container ships from Daewoo, each capable of carrying 18,000 containers; the first delivery occurred in 2013. A second set of ten ships was commissioned, but plans for a third series were cancelled.

By February 2010, Maersk’s order book included vessels totaling 857,000 TEU capacity (inclusive of Triple E options), surpassing the fleet size of Evergreen Marine—the world’s fourth-largest shipping line at that time.

In December 2011, Maersk Line partnered with the United States Navy to evaluate algae-based biofuel blends aboard the Maersk Kalmar.

In January 2012, Søren Skou took over as CEO of Maersk Line from Eivind Kolding. Later that year, Maersk withdrew from Iranian operations to mitigate risks associated with Western sanctions.

On March 15, 2022, Robert M. Uggla assumed the role of Chair of the Board at A.P. Moller – Maersk, signifying a generational shift in leadership while preserving connections to the founding family.

Effective January 1, 2023, Vincent Clerc was appointed CEO of Maersk.

APM Terminals

APM Terminals operates as an autonomous division within A. P. Moller–Maersk and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. It manages an extensive global network encompassing stakes in 57 ports and terminals across 36 countries and operates 155 Inland Services facilities spanning 48 countries. Significant port and terminal sites include:

  • Projects currently under development: Savona and Tema.
  • North America: Los Angeles, Miami, Mobile, Port Elizabeth, and Tacoma.
  • Latin America: Buenos Aires, Buenaventura (Colombia), Cartagena, Itajaí, Pecém, Callao, Santos, Lázaro Cárdenas, Puerto Quetzal, Yucatan, and Limon (Costa Rica).
  • Middle East: Aqaba, Haifa, Bahrain, Salalah, Port Said, and Jebel Ali.
  • Asia: Cai Mep, Colombo, Dalian, Guangzhou, Kobe, Laem Chabang, Karachi, Pipavav, Qingdao, Tanjung Pelepas, Tianjin, Shanghai, Xiamen, Yokohama, India locations in general, and Singapore.

Maersk Container Industry

Maersk Container Industry A/S produces shipping containers with manufacturing plants located in China (Dongguan and Qingdao) and maintains its corporate headquarters in Denmark (Tinglev). Its Container Inland Services encompass depot management, equipment maintenance, trucking operations, container sales, and other related services.

Svitzer

Established in 1833 and entering the tugboat business by 1870, Svitzer became predominantly owned by Maersk in 1979. The company grew through acquisitions such as Adsteam’s tug operations and currently manages a fleet exceeding 400 vessels that deliver harbor and terminal towage services across over 100 ports and 20 oil and gas terminals worldwide. As of January 2022, Svitzer operated 110 vessels across seven ports and 11 terminals spanning 12 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

In February 2024, Maersk separated Svitzer’s towage and marine service divisions. Ownership of Svitzer A/S and its subsidiaries was transferred to a newly formed company named Svitzer Group A/S. This new entity was listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen following an extraordinary general meeting where APMM shareholders received shares in Svitzer Group alongside their current holdings. Trading commenced on 30 April 2024.

Damco

Damco served as Maersk Group’s integrated logistics brand, previously known as Maersk Logistics and Damco. By 2008, it employed approximately 10,800 personnel across more than 93 countries, specializing in global supply chain management and freight forwarding. In September 2019, Maersk revealed plans to phase out the Damco brand entirely by the end of 2020 after initially merging Maersk Line with Damco earlier that year while maintaining freight forwarding as a separate operation.

Business trends

During the fiscal year 2024, Maersk reported revenues amounting to €55.5 billion supported by a workforce of 108,160 employees.

Year Revenue
(million €) 		Net income
(million €) 		Total assets
(million €) 		Employees
2015 30,769 791 62,408
2016 27,646 (1,939) 61,118
2017 31,189 (1,205) 63,227
2018 39,257 2,985 62,690
2019 38,890 (84) 55,399 80,000
2020 39,740 2,960 56,117 80,000
2021 61,787 18,170 72,271 95,000
2022 81,529 29,703 93,680 110,000
2023 51,065 3,954 82,578 100,000
2024 55,482 6,095 87,697 108,160

Maersk Oil

Maersk Oil (Danish: Mærsk Olie og Gas A/S) was established in 1962 following Maersk’s acquisition of exploration rights for oil and gas in the Danish North Sea. The company engaged in exploration and production activities worldwide with peak oil production surpassing 600,000 barrels per day and gas output reaching up to one billion cubic feet daily. Its main operations were concentrated in the North Sea (both Danish and British sectors), alongside production facilities offshore Qatar, Algeria, and Kazakhstan.

In addition to producing fields, Maersk Oil conducted exploration efforts across regions including the North Sea, Qatar, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Angola, Gulf of Mexico, Turkmenistan, Oman, Morocco, Brazil, Colombia, and Suriname—often collaborating within consortiums. The firm was recognized for developing advanced production and drilling methods suited for challenging environments such as the North Sea.

By 2008 oil and gas activities accounted for 22% of A.P. Moller–Maersk’s total revenue while generating 68% of its profit. On 21 August 2017 Maersk announced the divestment of Maersk Oil to Total S.A. for US$7.45 billion through a combination of shares and debt assumption. Following regulatory clearance the transaction was finalized on 8 March 2018 with Maersk Oil becoming part of Total’s portfolio.

Maersk Drilling

Maersk Drilling specializes in providing highly efficient offshore drilling solutions to oil and gas companies worldwide. Its fleet consists of 24 rigs, including six Ultra-Harsh jack-ups, four XL Enhanced jack-ups (with one newly delivered in late 2016), four Harsh jack-ups, two Premium jack-ups, four semi-submersibles, and four Ultra deepwater drillships. The company commands a dominant share of the Norwegian jack-up market, operating 7 out of 12 rigs as of 2016. In 2022, Maersk Drilling completed a merger with Noble Corporation on October 3, forming a more robust leader in offshore drilling services.

Maersk Supply Service

Maersk Supply Service provides essential support to the offshore oil and gas sector through anchor handling, rig towing, and supply operations. By 2021, its fleet included 41 vessels such as anchor handling tug supply vessels (AHTS), subsea support vessels (SSV), and platform supply vessels (PSV). In July 2024, Norway’s DOF Group announced plans to acquire Maersk Supply Service for about $1.1 billion, aiming to enhance offshore service offerings and reinforce its commitment to the oil and gas industry.

Maersk Line, Limited

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) operates as a US subsidiary of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group and manages the world’s largest fleet of US-flagged vessels engaged in international trade. Based in Virginia, MLL delivers multimodal transportation and logistics solutions primarily to the U.S. Federal Government and its contractors.

In 2012, following an investigation by the US Department of Justice, Maersk Line paid $31.9 million in penalties after being found to have overbilled the Department of Defense for container shipments to Iraq and Afghanistan under government contracts.

The Red Sea crisis that began in November 2023 caused significant disruptions to shipping operations; by May 2024, Maersk reported an estimated industry-wide capacity reduction of 15–20% during its fiscal second quarter.

ex MCC Transport

Originally known as MCC Transport, this entity provided containerized cargo services within intra-Asia routes before being rebranded as Sealand-Asia.

ex Seago Line

Seago Line now operates under the name Sealand-Europe and Mediterranean, servicing ports throughout the Mediterranean basin.

ex Safmarine

Safmarine, rooted in Africa and part of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, manages a fleet exceeding 40 container ships alongside 20 multi-purpose vessels (MPVs). Several new vessels were scheduled for delivery between 2009 and 2011. In September 2020, Safmarine was fully integrated into Maersk to optimize operational efficiency and improve customer service.

ex Sealand

SeaLand, known as "Sealand – A Maersk Company," is an American regional maritime and logistics operator that has been part of A.P. Moller–Maersk since 1999. The Sealand brand was discontinued in 2009 but revived in 2014 as a distinct brand. Initially concentrating on intermodal transportation across the Americas, it expanded its reach in 2018 by merging with Maersk’s intra-regional brands MCC Transport and Seago Lines to cover European, Mediterranean, and intra-Asian markets.

In 2023, Maersk consolidated its branding strategy by fully absorbing Sealand into the Maersk brand. Throughout that year, all operations previously under Sealand were merged into Maersk services, leading to the retirement of the Sealand name in December 2023.

Maersk Global Service Center

Maersk GSC manages shared service hubs responsible for back-office and offshore operations within the AP Moller Maersk Group. Its facilities are situated in Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Chengdu, and Metro Manila, with upcoming centers planned in Mexico and Brazil to enhance support for the Americas region.

Tankers, Offshore, and Related Shipping Operations

In 2008, this division accounted for 8.8% of Maersk's total revenue while delivering 25% of the group's overall profit. It encompasses entities such as Maersk Supply Service, Maersk Drilling, Maersk FPSOs, Maersk LNG, and Svitzer. Notably, Maersk Tankers divested its technical management unit to Synergy Marine Group in 2021.

South American Operations Formerly Aliança

Aliança functions as a Brazilian container shipping company operating a fleet of eight vessels.

Ardent

Ardent Salvage is a joint venture formed by Maersk-operated Svitzer and Crowley-operated TITAN Salvage. The company specializes in marine towage, salvage operations, wreck removal, firefighting at sea, and offshore support services. It serves over 100 ports globally and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

KGH

Acquired in 2020, KGH provides customs and trade compliance solutions across Europe, including brokerage and software services. The brand has since been incorporated into Maersk Customs Services.

Retail Involvement

Previously, the company held shares in Dansk Supermarked Group, which operates several retail chains such as Bilka (hypermarkets), Føtex (supermarkets and department stores), Salling (department stores), and Netto (discount supermarkets).

Maersk Training

Specializing in sector-specific education, Maersk Training was formed through the 2010 merger of Maersk Training Centre and Svitzer Safety Services. This consolidation broadened its training portfolio to cover maritime industries, oil and gas terminals, as well as wind energy sectors.

With headquarters in Svendborg, Denmark, Maersk Training maintains international centers in Aberdeen and Newcastle (UK), Esbjerg (Denmark), Stavanger (Norway), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Chennai and Mumbai (India), and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Additional facilities include Houston (USA) and Dubai (UAE), serving as the regional hub for the Middle East.

In October 2023, the acquisition of Norwegian safety training firm ResQ strengthened its capabilities in emergency preparedness training.

Star Air

Star Air operated a fleet of 11 leased Boeing 767 cargo aircraft primarily under long-term contracts with United Parcel Service (UPS) across Europe. It also managed Maersk’s corporate Gulfstream 450 jet. In August 2022, Star Air was merged into Maersk Air Cargo.

In 2023, Maersk launched a scheduled air freight connection between Billund, Denmark, and Hangzhou, China—establishing the first regular cargo service linking Denmark with Asia. This Eurasian route commenced with three weekly flights utilizing newly converted Boeing 767-300 freighters added to the Maersk Air Cargo fleet.

By July 2024, Maersk took delivery of its inaugural Boeing 777F aircraft intended for the Billund–Hangzhou route; a second aircraft is anticipated shortly thereafter.

European Rail Shuttle B.V.

In August 2013, Freightliner Group purchased ERS Railways B.V., a prominent European intermodal rail operator based in Rotterdam, from Maersk Line. ERS focuses primarily on transporting cargo using ISO shipping containers.

World Robot Olympiad

The World Robot Olympiad, with its headquarters in Singapore, is a robotics competition supported at the Gold sponsorship level by Maersk Oil.

Maersk and Danish climate objectives

A.P. Møller-Maersk is responsible for more than 80% of emissions among Denmark’s top 30 companies, with emissions increasing by 2% since 2019 to reach 37 million tonnes in 2021. The corporation has set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

Denmark’s climate commitments require a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, measured on territorial emissions and excluding foreign shipping and aviation emissions from Danish ports and airports. These sectors fall under the jurisdiction of international bodies ICAO and IMO, with the IMO targeting a 50% cut in greenhouse gases by 2050. Global maritime transport moves approximately 80% of international trade (around 11 billion tonnes annually) and emitted about one billion tonnes (3%) of CO2 in 2018. Although Maersk’s shipping fleet is not mandated to reduce territorial emissions, it contributes through carbon levies on bunker fuels, which finance climate projects via a Danish government-supported investment fund.

In 2008, the Maersk fleet released over one million tonnes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) yearly due to bunker fuel consumption. The Emma Maersk container vessel alone produced SO2 emissions comparable to those from 50 million automobiles. Despite the availability of exhaust gas scrubbers costing roughly DKK 25 million per vessel, Maersk’s annual fuel costs amount to approximately DKK 46 billion, with limited historical uptake of these technologies.

The Danish Ministry of the Environment launched an initiative in 2009 mandating reductions in SOx and NOx emissions through scrubber installations in ship funnels to enhance air quality. However, research conducted by DTU Aqua reveals that these scrubbers discharge pollutants such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into marine ecosystems, posing risks through bioaccumulation.

Environmental organizations contend that scrubbers facilitate continued use of cheaper but more polluting heavy bunker oil.

By 2023, Maersk became the first shipping firm to have its emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2040 validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning with a 1.5°C net-zero trajectory under updated maritime industry standards. These targets encompass detailed scope 1, 2, and 3 emission sub-goals, superseding earlier objectives announced in early 2022.

Maersk and tonnage taxation

In 2022, Denmark ranked as the world’s eleventh largest flag state by gross tonnage, with Danish shipping companies responsible for roughly one-fifth of the country’s exports. The Danish-registered fleet consisted of 779 vessels totaling 23.24 million gross registered tonnes out of more than 50,000 merchant ships worldwide under approximately 150 flags.

Since 2001, Denmark has implemented a distinctive tonnage tax regime designed to keep shipping firms domiciled domestically. This system taxes vessels at a fixed rate unrelated to profitability, enabling companies like Maersk to circumvent the conventional 22% corporate tax rate. Furthermore, Maersk benefits from government support through the DIS scheme, permitting tax-exempt salary payments to crews and effectively lowering labor expenses by nearly DKK 4 billion between 2017 and 2020.

Despite recording pre-tax profits near $16.08 billion (117.5 billion DKK) in 2021—the highest ever—Maersk paid only about $100.66 million (697 million DKK) in Danish taxes, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.6%, well below standard corporate rates and company disclosures. In 2022 profits reached DKK 203 billion with anticipated tax payments around 3% (6.09 billion DKK), yet actual contributions hovered near 0.7%, with some estimates indicating less than 0.2% reached Denmark’s treasury. Approximately DKK 80 billion was distributed among shareholders, with about 45.23% held by Danish and international investors.

This stands in stark contrast to the first half of 2009 when the group posted a DKK 3 billion deficit—the first loss since World War II—and forecasted a full-year loss of DKK 10.7 billion.

To preserve this advantageous tax framework, Maersk has actively lobbied against implementing a global minimum tax for shipping sectors, successfully obtaining an exemption when a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% was agreed upon by 135 countries under OECD auspices in 2021. Although publicly supportive of higher taxation via international accords, Maersk influenced Danish policymakers to oppose applying the minimum tax to shipping—a stance defended by Denmark’s Social Democratic Minister for Taxation in 2023.

Despite its relatively small land area (43,094 km²) and population (~5.9 million in mid-2023), Denmark hosts several leading global suppliers of bunker fuel and marine fuels serving international fleets. Notably, Bunker Holding Group—headquartered in Denmark with operations across 33 countries—is the world’s largest ship fuel supplier following its acquisition of Oceanconnect Marine and merger with KPI Bridge Oil. Its subsidiary Bunker One manages physical marine fuel deliveries globally while investing in sustainable fuel alternatives such as ammonia and methanol powered by renewable energy.

Previously established near Aalborg in 1980, OW Bunker was once the leading bunker supplier until its collapse in 2014. Since then, Bunker Holding has expanded its market dominance but encountered legal issues; in December 2021 it was fined DKK 30 million for breaching EU sanctions by supplying jet fuel for Russian military activities in Syria through transactions involving its Kaliningrad office and Russian agents. Both the company and its managing director received further fines and suspended sentences for negligence but retained board and shareholder confidence without appealing convictions.

Continuing its leadership role, Bunker Holding advances sustainable maritime fuel innovations aligned with global decarbonization efforts while maintaining dominance within the bunker fuel sector.

Piracy

On April 8, 2009, Somali pirates seized a 17,000-ton vessel flying the US flag while it was traveling to Mombasa, Kenya. The ship carried 20 American citizens, marking the first instance in over two centuries of US nationals being taken hostage by pirates. Although the crew managed to overpower the hijackers and reclaim the ship by midday, the pirates escaped using a lifeboat, detaining the captain for four days. On April 12, US Navy SEALs conducted a rescue operation, eliminating three pirates and capturing a fourth who was injured. This event served as the basis for the 2013 movie Captain Phillips.

Maersk Line estimates that piracy-related expenses amount to $100 million annually, largely due to extended voyages and increased speeds near East Africa. By 2010, all 83 Maersk tankers had chosen to bypass the Suez Canal, opting instead to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, although the Triple E-class ship successfully passed through the Suez Canal on its inaugural journey.

Labor practices in El Salvador and China

Maersk has faced criticism from trade unions and labor rights organizations concerning its employment practices worldwide.

In El Salvador, accusations arose regarding harsh conditions imposed on port drivers, including excessively long shifts, insufficient wages, and anti-union measures such as termination and blacklisting of at least 100 drivers in 2001.

In China, Globalization Monitor highlighted substandard labor environments at Maersk facilities located in Dongguan and Qingdao. Worker protests erupted in Dongguan in 2008 over poor working conditions and employment terms. As of 2011, issues related to labor rights and human rights remained unresolved at Maersk’s manufacturing sites in China.

Allegations of overcharging the US Government in Iraq and Afghanistan

Following a whistleblower report by Jerry H. Brown II, the US Government filed a lawsuit against Maersk for allegedly inflating charges on shipments destined for US military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The dispute was settled in 2012 with Maersk agreeing to pay $31.9 million in fines and interest without admitting any wrongdoing. Brown received $3.6 million as part of the settlement.

Breach of Sudan embargo

In August 2010, Maersk was penalized $3.1 million by the US government for violating sanctions imposed on Sudan. Although Maersk held permission to deliver US food aid to Port Sudan, lapses in cargo monitoring resulted in embargo breaches. The sanctions were enacted due to concerns over human rights violations and accusations of Sudan’s government supporting terrorism.

Engagement with Iran

In July 2010, Maersk halted operations at Iranian ports controlled by Tidewater Middle East Co., a blacklisted entity, following investigations into their association with the firm. To adhere to US sanctions, Maersk rerouted shipments through Dubai and collaborated with Bangladeshi companies not subject to restrictions.

On April 28, 2015, the Marshall Islands-flagged container vessel Maersk Tigris—which is not owned by Maersk—was compelled by Iranian naval forces to enter Iranian waters near Larak Island after initially refusing orders; this incident was closely monitored by the US Navy.

Maersk also agreed to pay an Iranian company $163,000 concerning a dispute over container boxes shipped to Dubai in 2005, which involved an alleged court-imposed fine totaling $3.6 million related to this matter.

Breaches of regulations and contract-related fraud

In October 2010, Maersk admitted guilt on eight charges related to insufficient provision of rest periods and one charge concerning failure to rectify the issue.

By February 2014, Maersk agreed to pay $8.7 million to resolve accusations involving forged documentation tied to a contract for transporting cargo to Afghanistan. Authorities uncovered 277 cases where claims contained falsified signatures confirming shipment receipts. The settlement did not involve any admission of wrongdoing.

Sexual harassment suspensions and legal actions

In May 2021, a Maersk officer had their license revoked following allegations of sexual assault and breaches of the company’s anti-harassment protocols. Later, in October 2021, five employees were suspended amid an inquiry into the alleged rape of a 19-year-old woman.

June 2022 saw Hope Hicks, known as "Midshipman X," file a lawsuit against Maersk, accusing the company of failing to safeguard her against sexual abuse onboard. Another student from the US Merchant Marine Academy, referred to as "Midshipman Y," initiated legal proceedings the same month, citing inadequate protection from sexual violence and abuse.

Environmental impact from fuel emissions

In 2009, emissions from Maersk's fleet using bunker fuel released sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide gases at levels comparable to those produced by nine billion automobiles, resulting in considerable adverse effects on health, ecosystems, and climate.

A 2023 research involving 161,808 postmenopausal women demonstrated that nitrogen oxides play a significant role in bone degradation. The study revealed that bone mineral density in the lumbar spine declined at nearly twice the rate expected from aging alone due to oxidative stress and cellular apoptosis. Specifically, a 10% rise in average three-year NO2 exposure was linked to an annual bone density decrease of 1.22%.

Bunker fuel accounted for usage in approximately 80% of global merchant vessels in 2008, consuming around 290 million tons yearly. Its high sulfur content leads to harmful sulfur dioxide emissions. Jørgen Brandt, senior researcher at Aarhus University, emphasized the direct health hazards posed by such emissions. In 2009, Ivan Seistrup, group vice-president at A.P. Møller Mærsk, acknowledged these concerns and highlighted ongoing collaboration with Boeing on biofuel initiatives aimed at reducing pollution in coastal waters and open seas.

However, primary biofuels like bioethanol and biodiesel present challenges; research from Vestlandsforskning in Norway indicates that biodiesel may elevate cancer risk due to compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), while also contributing to toxic air pollution in both urban and rural environments.

Violation of SOLAS Convention and AIS signal deactivation

In August 2024, South African authorities were informed about two Maersk-chartered vessels (Campton and Candor) transporting roughly 816 metric tonnes of hazardous steel furnace dust across 100 containers. This cargo was collected from Albania destined for Thailand via a southern African route. Maersk had taken possession of the shipment on behalf of MSC in Trieste, with plans for unloading in Singapore.

The Basel Action Network (BAN) reported that on July 31, 2024, the AIS GPS transponder on Maersk Campton was deliberately turned off, breaching the Maritime Organisation’s SOLAS Convention and causing the ship to miss its scheduled stop in Cape Town. Such AIS signal deactivation can be used to hide illicit activities like illegal waste disposal but may also serve security purposes by protecting vessels operating near conflict zones. Currently, MSC's vessel Maria Saveria is returning the containers from Singapore back to Albania.

Business Relations with Israel

Beginning in 2024, Maersk encountered mounting global opposition from the Palestinian Youth Movement and affiliated groups, urging the company to halt the transportation of military goods and other cargo destined for Israel, including deliveries to Israeli settlements located within occupied Palestinian territories.

In November 2024, the Maersk container vessel 'Denver' was refused access to the port of Algeciras in Spain amid accusations that it was carrying weapons shipments intended for Israel. On February 24, 2025, large-scale demonstrations took place outside Maersk's headquarters in Copenhagen, protesting the company’s role in moving US military equipment connected to the conflict in Gaza; law enforcement intervened and detained several protesters, among them environmental activist Greta Thunberg.

During April 2025, dockworkers at Tangier port declined to load F-35 aircraft components onto a Maersk vessel headed for Israel, following protests involving approximately 1,500 participants.

By June 2025, Maersk declared the implementation of stricter screening processes that comply with the OHCHR database concerning Israeli settlements. This step marked Maersk as the pioneer logistics firm to withdraw from transporting goods related to settlements. Nevertheless, the company maintains shipments of military cargo, including F-35 parts, destined for the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

NotPetya Cyberattack

On June 27, 2017, Maersk's information technology infrastructure suffered a cyberattack involving the NotPetya malware, which was disguised as ransomware. Although initially targeting Ukraine and attributed to the Russian military intelligence agency GRU, this assault significantly disrupted Maersk’s worldwide operations. The incident was labeled by Wired magazine as "the most destructive cyberattack ever recorded." In response, Maersk rebuilt its entire IT system within ten days but faced financial losses exceeding US$300 million, which were accounted for as tax-deductible. In March 2020, Maersk revealed plans to outsource and dissolve its UK-based IT team responsible for managing post-attack recovery efforts.

External links

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