What does it take to go from latecomer to legend in container shipping?
On 5 September 1975, the Adrian Mærsk departed Pier 51 in Newark, carrying 385 containers—signalling Maersk’s first plunge into containerisation. Half a century later, the Danish colossus is celebrating how that move reshaped global trade.
From Tentative Start to Global Leader
- Despite the first-ever container ship sailing in 1956, Maersk waited until 1975 to adopt containerised services. The Adrian Mærsk’s maiden run to Asia sparked a rapid transformation.
- Historian Charlotte Andersen praises Maersk’s ability to “catch up” swiftly and scale its container operations at breakneck pace.
Why It Still Matters
- A Pivot That Defined an Industry
Maersk’s late—but decisive—adoption of containers proved pivotal for its rise as a logistics powerhouse. - 50 Years of Container Innovation
From reefer units to methanol-powered feeder ships like the Laura Mærsk, Maersk continues to shape the future of green, efficient shipping. - A Brand Built on Steel
The iconic sky-blue containers and the tiny star logo remain instantly recognisable—symbols of supply chain dominance.
“It is 50 years today since AP Moller-Maersk entered containerisation.”
— TradeWinds correspondent Ian Lewis
Maritime historians, logistics heads, and transport futurists—this anniversary is more than nostalgia. It’s a reminder of how strategic pivots spark seismic industry shifts. Want to map Maersk’s legacy or forecast container-driven supply chain trends? Let’s chart it together.
