Maersk celebrates 100 years in Japan: A century paves the way for further growth and innovation

5 June 2024

Hidechika Saito, President and Representative Director, Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation Toru Nishiyama, Toru Nishiyama, Managing Director, Northeast Asia, Maersk Masao Fujikura, Chairman of Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of the Board of A. P. Moller – Maersk Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama Yukio Fujiki, the Chairman of Port of Yokohama Promotion Association.

Yokohama, Japan - A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk), a global leader in integrated logistics, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its first call in Japan with its long-standing partner Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation (MLC). In 1924, the first Maersk vessel, “LEISE MAERSK” called Yokohama, Japan, kicked off a century of Maersk’s development in the country. Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation’s collaboration with Maersk can be traced back to 1928 when it became Maersk’s local agency for the Japanese market.

The 100-year ceremony, co-hosted by Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of the Board of A. P. Moller – Maersk, Toru Nishiyama, Managing Director of Northeast Asia at Maersk, and SAITO Hidechika, President and Representative Director, Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation, took place on June 4, 2024. The event welcomed 150 distinguished guests, including INADA Masahiro, Director-General of Ports and Harbors Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, YAMANAKA Takeharu, Mayor of Yokohama, FUJIKI Yukio, The Chairman of Port of Yokohama Promotion Association, and Peter Taksøe-Jensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Japan, who celebrated this historic milestone for Maersk.

A century has passed since Maersk’s first vessel called Yokohama. We have witnessed and participated in the remarkable growth of Japan as it has become a global economic powerhouse. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support over the years, including that of the Japanese government, our partners, customers, and employees. The 100-years history has paved the way for our further growth and innovation in Japan.

Toru Nishiyama

Managing Director, Northeast Asia at Maersk

This milestone for Maersk coincides with the 165th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama. As part of the commemorations, Robert Maersk Uggla participated in a Floral Tribute Ceremony at the Yokohama Dockworkers’ Memorial Tower with MLC’s management to pay tribute to the unwavering dedication of Yokohama port workers and unions.

We are celebrating our 96th year of doing business with Maersk. Together, we have faced challenges along the way, but with mutual trust and cooperation, we have been able to overcome them. The shipping industry is rapidly evolving, but with our years of experience and foresight, we are committed to providing the utmost support to navigate through these times of transformation together.

Saito Hidechika

President of Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation

Over the past 100 years since “LEISE MAERSK”’s call, Maersk has been extending its business footprint in Japan. Currently, Maersk has offices in Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, serving Japanese clients across various sectors such as Automotive, Technology & Electronics, Chemical & Industrial, FMCG, Retail & Lifestyle, and Refrigerated goods. Maersk augmented Ocean logistics with strong addition in air, in-land, and contract logistics in Japan, as part of its integrated strategy. Japan plays a critical role in realizing Maersk’s 2040 net-zero emission goal. In December 2023, Maersk signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) to the develop green methanol bunkering infrastructure in Yokohama.

An overview of Maersk’s development history in Japan:

1924: The first Maersk vessel, "LEISE MAERSK," made its inaugural call to Yokohama, Japan.
1928: Maersk launched its liner service supported by Mitsubishi Logistics Corporation as local agent.
1947: Maersk Line Ltd. was established.
1948: The Yokohama office was established.
1949: The Osaka office was established.
1981: Maersk Line K.K. was created as a local entity.
1987: Maersk Logistics was established as an independent logistics provider.
1991: Representative offices for Maersk Bulk and Maersk Tankers were opened in Tokyo.
2008: APM Terminals Japan K.K. was established.
2019: A meeting took place between former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Soren Skou, the former CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk, emphasizing the importance of promoting free trade.
2021: Integrated operations began across all four berths at the Yokohama Minami-Honmoku terminal, capable of handling vessels up to 24,000 TEU - a pioneering achievement in Japan.
2023: An MoU was signed with the City of Yokohama and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company for the development of green methanol bunkering infrastructure.
2024: The world's second-largest methanol-enabled container vessel, "Astrid Maersk," was named in Japan.