At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 20-22 June, Maersk Line’s Triple-E class vessels was chosen for a prestigious list of innovative solutions that drive sustainable development.

Standing for 'Economy of scale, Energy efficiency, and Environmentally improved', the Triple-E ships 'set a new standard for how world trade is conducted', according to Maersk, reducing CO2 emissions by more than 50 per cent per container moved compared to the current industry averages on the Asia-Europe trade. 

"We are thrilled that Maersk Line’s next generation ships have been named to Sustainia100," said John Kornerup Bang, lead advisor on climate and environment at AP Møller-Maersk. "Our ambition to deliver solutions for economic growth in a low-carbon economy is a strong driver for innovation in ship design."

Sustainia100 represents a complete guide to innovative and scalable solutions to create desirable and sustainable societies. The solutions are gathered from 56 countries and businesses and represent sustainable innovation in areas such as city planning, energy, fashion, water and waste management, high-tech and transportation.

"We need to make more people aware of these solutions and inspire more to act," said Gro Harlem Brundtland, former prime-minister of Norway, former director general of the World Health Organisation and a member of the Elders Team. "With the Sustainia100 there is no excuse for not choosing a sustainable path to the future."

The first Triple-E ships will be deployed in 2013. They come with a Cradle to Cradle passport for high quality recycling.