Denmark’s AP Moller Foundation has awarded more cash to the shipping decarbonisation centre it co-founded in 2020.
The DKK 320m ($45.4m) donation is aimed at accelerating the transition towards zero-carbon shipping, the ultimate owner of AP Moller-Maersk said.
The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping was established thanks to an original DKK 400m donation from the foundation.
The money confirms the foundation’s desire to see global shipping take responsibility and play an active role in the fight against climate change, it said.
Foundation chairman Ane Maersk Mc-Kinney Uggla added: “The shipping industry has an obligation to act forcefully, but the dimension of the challenge calls for collaboration and willingness to take risks in developing a zero-carbon future.”
The centre has quickly developed into an important global collaboration platform and has attracted a strong network of partners, she said.
“The center carries the name of my father, Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller, and these visionary leaders from across the maritime ecosystem share his feeling of constant care, addressing one of humanity’s most important issues through concrete action,” the chairman said.
The Copenhagen-based organisation has about 100 staff.
Its chief executive, Bo Cerup-Simonsen, said he is humbled and honoured by the support.
Work to continue
“The two donations of DKK 720m in total give us the opportunity to continue working as an independent driver of the transition, develop our team and continue accelerating the solutions that are the best for the planet long-term,” he added.
“This is not only a huge privilege but also a key enabler when leading change with a lot of political and commercial interests in play.”
The centre is a not-for-profit organisation. Other funding comes from strategic partners, government funds, philanthropic ventures and commercial activities.
The foundation cash is targeted at three work programmes focusing on increased adoption of energy efficiency measures in shipping; maturation of alternative marine fuel pathways; and support to first movers, including the creation of green corridors that enable cleaner shipping routes.
Partners include ABS, AP Moller-Maersk, Cargill, Equinor, Norden, Seaspan Corp, Rio Tinto, NYK Line and Royal Caribbean Group.
