Eighty-five years of fruitful co-operation

For almost a century, the vessels of one of the world’s largest shipping companies, Maersk Line, have been frequent visitors to the harbour of Shanghai. A close relationship has developed between shipping company and city, which made it an obvious decision for A.P. Moller – Maersk to join the Danish participation in EXPO 2010 Shanghai.

The masters of the huge container ships with the characteristic seven pointed star on the funnels are indeed familiar with the docks of Shanghai. And not only Maersk Line, but also a number of other business units of the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group feel at home in the booming Chinese metropolis.

The EXPO Newsletter has succeeded in getting an interview with Tom Behrens-Sørensen, who is the chairman of Maersk China Ltd. and responsible for the multiple activities of the Danish company in China; he is also a member of the National Committee for the Danish EXPO 2010 participation. According to him, EXPO 2010 already means a lot to the self-image of the people of Shanghai.  

What are Maersk's motives for joining the Danish EXPO project? 

The history of our Group is closely linked to the city of Shanghai. The first call at Shanghai of a Maersk Line vessel was made back in March 1924. In 1928 Shanghai was a port of call on Maersk Line's first regular liner service. Today, Shanghai has become one of the most important cities globally to Maersk Line as well as a number of other A.P. Moller - Maersk business units. In addition to liner shipping, we are now active in Shanghai within logistics, marine terminal management and operation, rail transport, procurement and ship building. We feel very much at home in Shanghai, and therefore it has been natural for us to join the EXPO effort. Denmark and Shanghai have much to learn from each other. Both Denmark and Shanghai stand to gain from the enhanced dialogue and exchanges resulting from the EXPO participation.

EXPO puts great focus on sustainability. What are Maersk's initiatives in this field?  

I think sustainability is a well-chosen subject, in particular as 2010 EXPO takes place in Shanghai. Many of the environmental issues we are facing in Denmark are amplified in China because of the huge population, the population density in cities as Shanghai and the many challenges arising from exceptionally high economic growth rates over a long period of time. At the same time, sustainability is very much a matter of global significance, and the challenges posed by sustainability issues demand a global and coordinated response. We believe this EXPO will bring added focus on this.

As a large group of companies producing and consuming significant amounts of natural resources, A.P. Moller - Maersk has placed sustainability high on the agenda. Much research is being conducted in reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and on our latest vessels we have introduced a number of ground-breaking technologies that together contribute towards leaving a smaller foot print. As a group, we fully recognise the urgency of many sustainability issues, and we have made it our priority to address these issues.

How do you think the Danish EXPO pavilion and exhibition will be received in China?

I think the focus on welfare will resonate very well with the current generation of urbanites in China. For the past 30 years China has been on a fantastic ride in terms of developing its economy and creating wealth. A large and rapidly growing middle class has emerged in China's cities and they are questioning whether economic growth is the only parameter on which development should be measured. We have also noticed government leaders talking about redefining development goals towards a higher focus on the quality of growth instead of economic growth alone, ie higher focus on welfare, not just wealth. I believe this is a very healthy development, and I believe that Denmark has much to offer in this respect. I am certain that the values promoted by the Danish Pavilion will find an interested audience.

What are your experiences from being a sponsor of Beijing’s bid for the Olympic Games 2008? 

Maersk China Shipping and Maersk Logistics China sponsored Beijing's bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games. We very much enjoyed being a part of Beijing's Olympic adventure and are proud now also to be part of this great event in Shanghai.

How do you think the worldwide financial crisis will influence EXPO 2010 Shanghai? 

It is hard to find positive things to say about the financial crisis, but one positive side effect would be if economic pressures would lead to higher interest in how we use our resources more efficiently and eliminate waste in line with the EXPO sustainability theme. There are many examples of how economic priorities can lead to improved sustainability. An example from our own backyard is the decision of many shipowners, including Maersk Line, to reduce the speed of their vessels in order to save fuel. Relatively modest reductions in speed have actually lead to significant savings in terms of fuel consumption and hence in terms of impact on the environment and the depletion of non-renewable resources. I think such themes where cost reductions go hand in hand with sustainability will have added relevance at the 2010 EXPO.  

Maersk Construction is involved in finding an operator to build the Danish pavilion. What are the competences of Chinese shipyards?  

In A.P. Moller - Maersk, we have cooperated with Chinese shipyards since 1996. Our observation is that Chinese shipyards have come very far since then in terms of capacity and quality. There is no doubt that China is well under way to fulfil the ambition of becoming a leading shipbuilding nation.