Maersk wins praise from perishable shippers

IRTA named Maersk as the recipient of the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA) Executive of the Year award as part of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Food Logistics Forum in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

This annual award recognizes an individual in the refrigerated transportation industry who has made a significant contribution to the industry by fostering innovation, resolving industry issues, or improving the industry’s image and efficiency.

Typically, the award is presented to an individual, but, this year, for the first time ever, the IRTA Board of Directors elected to recognize an entire company — Maersk — for excellence in refrigerated transportation.

According to IRTA spokesmen, the Danish carrier “exemplifies innovation and is changing the way we think about marine shipping.”

Its fleet comprises more than 500 vessels and containers corresponding to more than1,900,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). With about 325 offices located in more than 125 countries, it serves shippers around the world.

“Maersk serves as an example of sustainability in marine shipping,” spokesmen added. “The company continuously works to reduce fuel consumption and emission of greenhouse gases from its vessels. By focusing on engine design, optimization of ventilation systems, efficient hull and propeller maintenance, and research projects involving the application of fuel cells and alternative energy sources, the company has already dramatically reduced its carbon footprint in just the last decade.”

IRTA also noted that Maersk is a leader in the fight against piracy, testifying before the U.S. Congress on the threat piracy poses to seafaring and international trade:

“With its own situation room in West Central Asia and cooperation with civilian and military intelligence, it is closely monitoring piracy in the Gulf of Aden,” said spokesmen. Maersk has a comprehensive set of best practice policies and procedures for ensuring the safety