When any company enters a community, it creates jobs and pays taxes. But that’s far from the whole story for a global conglomerate like A.P. Moller - Maersk.
From energy production and shipping to harbour terminals and inland freight, our global web of businesses can be a lifeline for the communities where we operate. The resulting economic growth in these communities can in turn create new opportunities for us.
Philanthropy is yet another way of giving back to the communities that have given us a chance to do business. Our group has a long tradition of philanthropy and community involvement that is highly decentralised and primarily carried out by our business units.
Whether it’s emergency relief aid or strategic partnerships, we always aim to apply our unique strengths to make the largest possible positive impact. The following are just a few examples of how we engage with local communities:
Building container schools after Chinese earthquake
Maersk was honoured with the “Best CSR Initiator for Chengdu” award at the 1st Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Conference of China at Chengdu, for our commitment to earthquake relief and the rebuilding of Sichuan – and especially our contribution to reconstructing the destroyed Mianyang No. 6 Middle school using containers as school buildings. We donated 52 Maersk Line containers for use as school buildings, enabling around a thousand local students to resume their studies almost immediately.
Containers in the community, South Africa
Safmarine’s commitment to communities in South Africa is illustrated by the “Containers in the community programme” which was started in the 1990s. Recycled second-hand or retired containers are used to create much needed infrastructure such as schools and clinics. The programme aims to involve local communities and seek partnerships with fellow South Africa companies and Safmarine customers. So far, Safmarine has been involved in some 1,800 projects, and more than 7,000 containers have been converted for the various projects.
A shipping container is used to give unemployed women new skills – and as retail space where they can sell their goods.
Habitat for Humanity, USA
Maersk’s US organisation and Habitat for Humanity formed a partnership at the beginning of 2006. Habitat for Humanity International is a worldwide organisation dedicated to giving low-income families an opportunity to own their own home. Since the formation of this partnership, we have donated transportation and logistics support for over a hundred home builds. We have also supported Habitat for Humanity with container donations and employee volunteers.