History of Maersk, the global shipping leader
Maersk is one of the world’s largest logistics companies. Its activities mainly focus on maritime transport, where it holds a leading position.
Early years of business development
The history of the shipping giant began in 1904 in Denmark. It started as a small family business. Father and son Arnold Peter Meller and Peter Maersk founded a steamship company. The demand for transport services during the First World War enormously boosted the industry. Between 1912 and 1930, the company grew rapidly and became the leader in the Danish shipping market. During this period, the company expanded its activities and became involved in various fields:
– the brokerage division opened in 1914;
– Maersk established its shipbuilding division in 1918;
– a liner shipping and tanker trading division was established in 1928;
– Maersk started its sugar plantation in 1930.
The company also invested in various assets, including industrial companies.
The Maersk shipyard designed and built ships for many companies. It owns the creation of one of the largest container ships in the world. It became part of the company’s fleet in the 1990s. In 2009, the management decided to fold the division. In 2012, when all the projects were completed, the Lindo Industrial Park arose in the area.
The post-war period
At the beginning of the Second World War, Maersk’s fleet consisted of 46 ships. At the time of the occupation of Denmark, 36 of them were outside the country, taken for Allied needs. The remaining vessels went to the German armed forces. As a result, the company had only 21 ships at the end of the war. However, thanks to the strong recovery of the world economy, the company was able to restore its fleet to pre-war levels within three years. Maersk also significantly expanded its routes, including oil transport.
Despite the stable development, the company occupied a relatively modest place in the world market until the 1970s. Everything changed with the advent of container transport.
The modern stage of development
The speed of trade globalisation in the 1990s was a positive factor in strengthening Maersk’s position. By 2000, the company was operating in more than 100 countries.
At the same time, the company implemented a strategy of expanding its operations. As a result, by 2015, Maersk had grown into a global conglomerate with businesses including:
– shipping;
– terminal services;
– logistics services;
– oil and gas production.
The company is actively transforming its operations. Digital technologies and business automation solutions play a vital role. Maersk is also trying to decarbonise its operations, including using environmentally friendly fuel for ships.
