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Maersk Group
AP Moller-Maersk launches Maersk Air
Initiative taken following customers’ global air cargo needs
AP Moller–Maersk (Maersk) recently announced Maersk Air Cargo as the company´s main air freight offering serving the logistics needs of its clients with integrated logistics.
At the same time Maersk chose Denmark’s second largest airport, Billund, as its air freight hub for Maersk Air Cargo with daily flights creating several jobs in the region.
To this end Maersk Air Cargo also announced their intent to enter into an agreement with the Flight Personnel Union (FPU) which is a part of the Danish Confederation and Trade Unions (FH).
Enabler of agility
“Air freight is a crucial enabler of flexibility and agility in global supply chains as it allows our customers to tackle time-critical supply chain challenges and provides transport mode options for high value cargo. Therefore, it is key for Maersk to also increase our presence in the global air cargo industry by introducing Maersk Air Cargo to cater even better for the needs of our customers,” affirmed Aymeric Chandavoine, Global Head of Logistics and Services, AP Moller–Maersk.
The new air freight company is the result of the existing in-house aircraft operator, Star Air, which has transferred activities into Maersk Air Cargo, the new carrier supporting existing and new customers and Maersk’s end to end logistics.
The process of transferring activities has received excellent support from customers, suppliers, employees and the Danish Civil Aviation Authority, a press communique observed.
“Maersk Air Cargo is an important step of the Maersk Air Freight strategy, as it will allow us to offer customers a truly unique combination of air freight integrated with other transport modes,” asserted Torben Bengtsson, Global Head of Air & LCL (Less than Container Load), AP Moller–Maersk
Increased demand
“We see an increased and continued demand for air cargo both today and going forward as well as a growing demand for end-to-end logistics,” he continued.
Maersk last operated from Billund in 2005. From the continent Maersk Air Cargo will progressively deploy and operate a controlled capacity of five aircraft – two new B777F and three leased B767-300 cargo aircraft.
Three new B767-300 freighters will also be added to the US-China operation, which will be initially handled by a third-party operator. The new aircraft are expected to be operational from second half 2022 and onwards up to 2024.
Billund Airport
Billund Airport looks forward to welcoming Maersk Air Cargo, which will also support the growth of the West Danish business community.
“Now Maersk Air Cargo enters the stage at Billund Airport and raises it a notch. We are incredibly proud that we are being chosen as Maersk’s European hub for air freight, and we look forward to developing the collaboration to even new heights,” noted Jan Hessellund, CEO, Billund Airport.
Maersk Air Cargo is expected to be fully operational as of second half of 2022.
Maersk to join SteelZero Initiative
To contribute with a clear demand signal and catalyse the transition to sustainable green steel, AP Moller–Maersk (Maersk) has decided to join Climate Group SteelZero, a global initiative which brings together leading organisations to accelerate the transition to a net zero steel industry, in partnership with Responsible Steel, the steel industry’s first global, multistakeholder standard and certification initiative.
“The steel industry is one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide, contributing around 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Joining SteelZero underscores our commitment to demanding net zero steel and boosting a rapid scale-up. We will collaborate with our customers, suppliers and across the entire steel value chain,” explained Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO, Fleet & Strategic Brands, AP. Moller–Maersk.
A significant number of the over 700 vessels operated by Maersk are projected to be recycled in the next decade with a large proportion being the post-Panamax size ships (over 4000 TEU) with steel making up approx. 90% of these ships´ weight.
“At Maersk we have both strong decarbonisation ambitions and ships’ coming to end-of-life, which offer a great opportunity to reduce our Scope 3 emissions by driving circularity in the steel industry,” commented Palle Laursen, Senior VP & Chief Technical Officer, AP Moller-Maersk.
By joining SteelZero, Maersk collaborates with like-minded industry organisations committed to climate-aligned steel procurement and progress in developing a policy framework towards responsible production and sourcing of steel.
“Maersk’s substantial purchasing power and influence is a serious addition to the SteelZero membership. Their voice, alongside eighteen other forwarding looking businesses, will enhance the demand signal for net zero steel, and help drive change at the scale and pace needed,” highlighted Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group.
Maersk to deploy 300 electric trucks in partnership with Einride
AP Moller-Maersk (Maersk) will add 300 electric trucks to its North America network – making it the largest heavyduty electric truck deployment to date.
The trucks will be delivered between 20232025 for use by Maersk’s North American warehousing, distribution and transportation business called Performance Team, a Maersk Company.
The trucks will be operated using Einride’s digital road freight operating system and charging solutions. They will operate as part of Performance Team’s Road freight network.
“Maersk has a comprehensive decarbonisation plan in motion for our Ocean activities which represent 93% of all company-related emissions. This order marks the expansion of our ambitions to cover all services across transport modes,” commented Vincent Clerc, CEO, Ocean & Logistics, AP Moller-Maersk.
Einride’s e-trucks are assembled to set specifications throughout the U.S. The partnership will initiate the first large-scale use of Einride’s digital road freight operating system. This technology centralises decision-making by providing data integration with full transparency across the electromobility spectrum.
“Not only is the road freight industry responsible for close to 8% of all global CO2 emissions – a number that will continue to grow if cost-effective change is not made today – but you also have a world that is more aware than ever before about the urgent need to shift to electric,” remarked Robert Falck, CEO, Einride.
Maersk’s long-term goal in North America is to move toward a fully electric trucking fleet to offer customers an environmentally friendly alternative for short-haul trucking.
