In July 2020, two fully functional Maersk containers were skilfully painted with a rainbow to join Maersk’s fleet. On March 11, 2021, they embarked on their World Tour, set to end in Denmark for Copenhagen Pride 2021, stopping at several locations across Asia and Europe on their way.
The first part of the journey for the 40 and 20-foot rainbow boxes was aboard the Maersk Edmonton from APM Terminals Pier 400 in Los Angeles to APM Terminals Yokohama in Japan, where they arrived on March 22nd.
Commitment to diversity
“APM Terminals Japan is very proud to be part of A.P. Moller – Maersk’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it’s very exciting for Yokohama to be the first stop of these rainbow containers’ journey,” comments Sakura Kuma, Managing Director, APM Terminals Japan. Yokohama is geographically critical to Transpacific trade, especially westbound
“The initiative brings memories of a famous song ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ and for me personally this exemplifies that what we deliver is not only cargo but also a commitment for a better future, where diversity and inclusion is something completely natural. It is also a great example that Yokohama is geographically critical to Transpacific trade, especially westbound.”
Employees brands to sign
During their World Tour, the containers will be available in various locations for employees from A.P. Moller Maersk brands to sign, as a symbol of their own personal commitment to diversity and inclusion. This tradition started at APM Terminals Pier 400 in Los Angeles and was continued at APM Terminals Yokohama.
The rainbow boxes will have a few more stops where employees will get this opportunity to see and sign the units before their arrival in Copenhagen.
Global commitment
Maersk’s North East Asia Area Managing Director Toru Nishiyama shared, “It is super exciting to have the two beautiful rainbow containers in Yokohama as the first stop of this world tour. Thanks to the work of our Diversity and Inclusion Committee, I feel all our employees in North East Asia are familiar with D&I. This small event today underpins our global commitment as an organisation to this very important agenda, and I look forward to seeing the rainbow containers continuing the journey in Asia and throughout the rest of the world!”
Increasing awareness
Maersk Japan and Korea collaborates with customers and other companies to drive actual changes in the society “We are honoured and excited to see first rainbow containers in Yokohama. In Maersk Japan and Korea, we are driving various diversity and inclusion activities (Pride Week, gender diversity, psychological safety) to create an inclusive workplace environment,” shared Rosa Kim, Head of Maersk’s NEA Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
“As of this year, Maersk Japan and Korea collaborates with a number of customers and other companies to increase awareness and drive actual changes in the society.”
Social media presence
Throughout their voyage, all those lucky enough to see one of these rainbow containers are encouraged to take a picture and share on social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook using the hashtag #InclusionAllTheWay.