A short history of the naming of ships

The SS Ideal X, a converted World War II oil tanker, made history on 26 April 1956 when it set sail as the first commercially successful container ship. Carrying 58 containers from New Jersey to Texas, it marked a turning point in global trade, paving the way for the modern shipping industry.

How Ships Are Named: Tradition Meets Modernity

Container ship names often reflect company heritage, cultural significance, or aspirations. Maersk, one of the biggest names in shipping, has a long-standing tradition of naming vessels after family members.

The Ane Maersk is named after Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, Chair of the AP Moller Foundation and AP Moller Holding, and was christened by her eldest granddaughter. This personal touch continues Maersk’s tradition of honouring its family legacy.

Another example is the Laura Maersk, launched in 2023, which pays homage to the company’s roots. It takes its name from the SS Laura, the first ship owned by Peter Mærsk Møller, father of Maersk’s founder.

Unusual and Thematic Ship Names

Some shipping lines follow creative naming conventions. Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has a series of vessels named after birds, resulting in ships like NYK Blue Jay and NYK Crane. This “Bird Class” approach not only strengthens brand identity but also adds character to their fleet.

Modern Trends and Environmental Milestones

Naming conventions continue to evolve. The CMA CGM Jacques Saadé, launched in 2020, stands out for both its impressive 23,000 TEU capacity and as a tribute to the company’s founder. It is also among the first large container ships powered by liquefied natural gas, marking a significant step towards greener shipping.

Did you know…

…The term Conex originally referred to military-use containers? While it is now often used interchangeably with “shipping containers,” Conex boxes were first designed for military logistics before becoming the standardised containers we see today.

At Green Leaves Logistics, we appreciate the history and tradition behind the industry. Understanding how ships are named adds another layer of connection to the global trade networks we help navigate every day.