In California, Daily Breeze reports The Port of Los Angeles was set to celebrate the Alette Maersk, a groundbreaking methanol-powered cargo ship, with public tours on Wednesday. However, the event was abruptly canceled due to planned protests linked to Maersk’s alleged involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict —a charge the company has not confirmed.
Just a day earlier, the Alette Maersk, capable of ferrying 16,200 containers, had been christened amid much fanfare. Attendees witnessed the eco-friendly giant’s dedication, a nod to both green technology and maritime heritage.
Security fears, prompted by activist threats, forced tour cancellation, leaving many disappointed. An early morning email from Maersk cited potential disruptions and safety risks as the reasons for withdrawing the public invitation. Despite this, by dawn, a few protestors appeared at the dock, escalating to larger demonstrations by midday, with activists condemning Maersk’s operations in Israel.
As the ship departed without fanfare, Maersk offered virtual tours in compensation, but the incident highlighted the delicate balance between environmental initiatives and geopolitical sensitivities. Alette Maersk is now en route to the port of Tacoma in Washington, scheduled to arrive September 4th.
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Tags: A.P. Moller-Maersk, California, methanol, Port of Los Angeles
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
