Maersk: 50 Years in Container Shipping!
08.09.2025
On September 5, 1975, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller launched the company’s first container service from the US East Coast to Asia — marking the Danish giant’s entry into a new sector, albeit later than its rivals.
While Maersk could have joined container shipping back in the 1960s, it initially chose to diversify into aviation, oil, and gas. But by the early 1970s it became clear: containerization was reshaping global trade and could no longer be ignored.
In 1973, Maersk ordered nine containerships, and by August 1975 its first vessel — Adrian Maersk, with a capacity of 1,800 TEU — was delivered.
By 1985, the company had become the world’s third-largest carrier, and today Maersk stands as the second-largest container line worldwide.
Half a century of history — and this is only the beginning!
Happy Mawlid al-Nabi
05.09.2025
South Korea and the Northern Sea Route
27.08.2025
Seoul plans to use the Northern Sea Route (NSR) via Russian territory. Pilot shipments are expected to begin in 2026, and in 2025 the government will establish a dedicated task force to develop the Arctic route.
President Lee Jae-myung sees the NSR as an alternative to the Suez and Panama canals and aims to transform the South Korean ports of Busan and Ulsan into hubs of Arctic trade.
The main competitor is China, where Shanghai is already emerging as an Arctic hub. Despite currently modest cargo volumes (mainly Russian oil and gas exports), experts predict the route’s significance will grow rapidly.
The creation of an NSR economic zone in South Korea’s southern regions is expected to give a new boost to port development.
Maersk Containership and SFL Car Carrier Collide in Danish Straits
08.08.2025
The containership Maersk Gironde and the car carrier SFL Composer collided late on Tuesday, August 5, as the two vessels were making their way through a busy section of the Danish Straits. The Danish Maritime Authority is reporting that both vessels were detained for further inspections and an investigation of the incident.
The collision happened shortly before midnight local time. The two vessels were in the Danish Straits near Funen on the east coast of Denmark. They were in the deep-water channel, which is a busy shipping lane feeding into the Baltic. The Danish authorities are reporting that both ships sustained “material damage” above the waterline. There were no injuries to the crew and no reports of pollution.
Pictures appearing in the Danish media show a large scrape along the side of the car carrier starting about three-quarters of the way back along its 200-meter (656-foot) length with a large dent and a hole at the stern. The Maersk Gironde sustained damage to its bow.
The Maersk Gironde, built in 2002, operates a North Europe shuttle route. The vessel, which is 61,600 dwt with a capacity of 4,800 TEU, was sailing from Wilhelmshaven, Germany, to Gdansk, Poland. The ship is at anchor awaiting approval to proceed, reports Maersk.
The SFL Composer, built in 2006, has a capacity of 6500 units, and according to SFL Corp., it is operating under charter to Volkswagen. The pictures show the vessel being assisted by two Svitzer tugs, with reports that it was being moved to the Port of Odense.
Underwater surveys of the vessels were planned for Wednesday morning. The Danish Maritime Authority did not comment on the circumstances or weather conditions at the time of the incident.
IranianNavy Returns to Bandar Abbas: A Step Toward Maritime and Logistical Stability
30.07.2025
The Iranian Navy has begunreturning to the port of Bandar Abbas six weeks after an emergency evacuation
during the 12-Day War. This marks one of the first signs of the countryrestoring its military and logistical infrastructure. Key Southern Fleet
vessels, including frigates, landing ships, reconnaissance vessels, and part ofthe supply fleet, are back in port. However, some critical assets—like the
submarine IRINS Tarek and the flagship IRINS Makran—have yet to return. Over recentweeks, ships have been entering port individually to refuel and resupply before
relocating to coastal anchorages, avoiding congestion. This strategy hasmaintained minimal logistical operations amid a tense internal situation. The
Navy’s return is a significant signal: Iran is seeking to reassert control overstrategic maritime points, including transport infrastructure and defense
logistics. Despite ongoing political tensions, the revival of naval activitymay help stabilize supply chains, trade flows, and transport corridors in the
Persian Gulf region.