Maersk makes SAECS identity statement

Terry Hutson The 3 000 TEU container ship SA Waterberg was renamed Maersk Constantia in Durban last Friday. Although the ship has retained its distinctive white hull, the funnel will in future bear the Maersk Sealand seven-point white star on a blue background. Peter Ehrenreich, managing director of Maersk Sealand, explained that as an active member of SAECS it was important for Maersk Sealand and its customers to have a visible presence in the core fleet. He said the naming rights had been readily agreed by sister company Safmarine, in a similar arrangement following the renaming of Maersk Wellington to Safmarine Amazon during March this year. "These moves will not, in any way, affect the independent marketing of the commercial services of Maersk Sealand and Safmarine, as both lines are separately managed members of the AP Moller Group." Maersk Constantia, which is owned, manned and operated by Safmarine, will remain under the South African flag, with port of registry Cape Town. The ship continues to operate in the core service of SAECS in the trade lanes between UK/Europe and Southern Africa. Accommodation for 12 passengers will continue to be offered.