A strategy for the A.P. Moller Group

1970

A strategy for the A.P. Moller Group

The expansion of the shipping companies established in 1904 and 1912 into a group of diverse businesses took root in A.P. Møller’s time. The expansion was not the result of a strategic plan, but rather the result of a talented, opportunistic man’s drive to add value to his enterprise and the societies in which he was operating.

By 1965

When A.P. Møller died, the Group was active in tanker, liner, bulk and reefer shipping, chartering and brokerage, shipbuilding, property, agriculture, refinery, retail and the production of engines, plastics, brakes, machinery and had committed itself to oil exploration.

A.P. Møller certainly lived his principle of creating businesses with a positive impact on society, but a new approach was needed to fully justify all corners of the Group; in the future, changes would become less evolutionary and more the result of strategic planning.

Identifying the potential

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller initiated a process in 1968 with the aim of identifying the potential of the A.P. Moller Group and to develop a plan for improvements. All business units were evaluated, and the assessments led to a new general strategy for the Group.

A new organisational structure was implemented from July 1970; decentralised profit centres with managers focusing on creating the required results reported to the Group leadership, who would focus on strategic rather than operational issues.

The Container

Although the approach was Group-wide, special attention was given to Maersk Line which was being challenged by a new-comer in international shipping: the container. The specific strategic initiatives for Maersk Line included an evaluation of how to respond to container competition, which led to the decision in 1973 to containerise the USA-Asia trade.

The new organisation plan was the first major result of the generational succession in the A.P. Moller Group. Its overall objective was to ensure continued growth and to maintain the Group’s stature and reputation by attracting, developing and promoting top-quality managers.

1886

Five generations of the Mærsk family

Based on more than 20 years of experience as a captain on sailing ships, Peter Mærsk Møller acquired the small steamer ‘Laura’ and took the family company from sail to steam.

1904

The Mærsk family companies

A.P. Møller, strongly supported by his father, captain Peter Mærsk Møller, established the Steamship Company Svendborg, the forerunner of today’s A.P. Moller – Maersk.

1912

The calculated risk – starting a business

A.P. Møller founded the Steamship Company of 1912. The objective was to create a base for growth.

1913

Growth and consolidation

A.P. Møller set up a small office to act as the manager of the fleets of the Svendborg and 1912 companies. The first transactions in brokerage of ships and cargoes took place.

1928

A.P. Møller was asked by the Danish government to take up the presidency of Danske Bank

He remained the Chair until 1952, taking the bank from public to private ownership. During this time, A.P. Møller and the shipping companies invested in the bank.

1940

The family partnership

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller became a partner in “Firmaet A.P. Møller”.

1953

The A.P. Moller Foundation as an owner

The A.P. Moller Foundation was established to ensure a long-term, stable ownership structure of the Maersk activities. A.P. Møller was the Chair, and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller was a board member.

1962

Into energy - for the greater good

A.P. Møller, together with the Steamship Company Svendborg and the Steamship Company of 1912, was awarded the concession for exploration and extraction of raw materials in the Danish underground.

1965

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller became senior partner and Chair of the Svendborg and 1912 companies, the shipyard, other companies and the foundations after his father, A.P. Møller’s death on 12 June 1965.

1970

A strategy for the A.P. Moller Group

The direction for the next 45 years of expansion was laid in a strategy for The A.P. Moller Group.

1986

Engagement over time – the family in the Foundations

Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla became a member of the board of the A.P. Moller Foundation, today’s owner of A.P. Moller Holding.

1993

After 28 years at the helm of the Group, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller stepped down from daily management.

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller remained Chair of the Foundations, the Svendborg and 1912 companies and the Odense Steel Shipyard.

2003

The origin of the Core Values

Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller retired from most presidencies in the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group. Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla became the Co-chair of A.P. Moller – Maersk. Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller introduced the five Core Values, based on his father’s leadership principles.

2012

Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla

Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla became the Chair of the A.P. Moller Foundation when Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller died on 16 April 2012.

2013

A.P. Moller Holding was established to act as the investment arm of the A.P. Moller Foundation

The majority ownership of A.P. Moller – Maersk was transferred to A.P. Moller Holding from the A.P. Moller Foundation. Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla became the Chair of A.P. Moller Holding.

2015

A.P. Moller Holding

Adding to its 2.98% holding, A.P. Moller Holding acquired 15% of Danske Bank’s total share capital as part of A.P. Moller – Maersk’s divestment of the same. Following the 15% acquisition, A.P. Moller Holding bought an extra 2.02% to fulfill the ambition of a total ownership of 20%.

2016

Robert M. Uggla

Robert M. Uggla became the CEO of A.P. Moller Holding. A.P. Moller – Maersk was restructured into two independent divisions; an integrated Transport & Logistics division and an Energy division.

2017

The Africa Infrastructure Fund

The Africa Infrastructure Fund was established by A.P. Moller Capital, which was founded to manage stand-alone funds focusing on infrastructure in emerging markets. Maersk Tankers was acquired by A.P. Moller Holding from A.P. Moller – Maersk.

2018

Maersk Oil

Maersk Oil was divested from A.P. Moller – Maersk to Total S.A.

2019

Maersk Drilling

At the public listing of Maersk Drilling, A.P. Moller Holding retained a 41.26% share of the company. A.P. Moller Holding acquired KK Group.

A strategy for the A.P. Moller Group

By 1965

Identifying the potential

The Container

Engagement over time – the family in the Foundations

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