The Maersk story
A.P. Møller and his father Peter Mærsk Møller founded a steamship company in Svendborg, Denmark, in 1904. The white seven-pointed star on a blue background, which still appears on Maersk ships and containers, came from a family story about a prayer for safe passage.
What makes Maersk powerful
Maersk's power rests on scale and reliability. It became one of the largest container shipping companies in the world, and its blue containers are seen in ports everywhere. The company has spent recent years turning itself into an end-to-end logistics provider, handling warehousing, air freight and inland transport as well as ocean shipping.
Maersk today
A.P. Møller - Mærsk is headquartered in Copenhagen and controlled by the A.P. Møller Foundation and the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller family. In 2025 it launched the Gemini Cooperation, a shipping partnership with Hapag-Lloyd built around schedule reliability.
What comes next for Maersk
Maersk has committed to net-zero emissions and has ordered vessels that can run on green methanol. Its challenge is to keep investing in cleaner shipping through the ups and downs of freight rates.
Why Maersk ranks #79
Sustainability, Governance & ESG (70.0) and Brand Positioning & Recall (68.0) carry Maersk's Power Score of 66.68.
Consumer Trust & Sentiment at 64.0. What would move it: Closing the gap between brand fame and consumer trust: service quality, transparency and how complaints are handled.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
5 Travel & Logistics brands are in the Europe 100. Maersk is #1 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Maersk in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Maersk ranks #79 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 66.68 out of 100.
When was Maersk founded and who founded it?
Maersk was founded in 1904. Founder(s): A.P. Møller and Peter Mærsk Møller.
What is Maersk's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Maersk's lowest pillar is Consumer Trust & Sentiment at 64.0 out of 100.
Who leads Maersk today?
Vincent Clerc, CEO. The brand is owned by A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S.
Where is Maersk headquartered?
Maersk is based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Its country of origin is Denmark.
What is Maersk's revenue?
US$54.0bn revenue (FY2025), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Maersk?
Maersk ordered the world's first large methanol-enabled container vessels.
Key facts
| Brand | Maersk |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S |
| Headquarters | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Founded | 1904 |
| Founder(s) | A.P. Møller and Peter Mærsk Møller |
| Leadership | Vincent Clerc, CEO |
| Latest revenue | US$54.0bn revenue (FY2025) Source |
| Sector | Travel & Logistics |
| Country of origin | Denmark |
| Signature fact | Maersk ordered the world's first large methanol-enabled container vessels. |
| Official website | maersk.com |
Maersk is ranked #79 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 66.68).