Celebrating diversity: rainbow containers welcomed in The Netherlands

Following Los Angeles and Yokohama, Rotterdam now welcomes Maersk’s rainbow containers, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the maritime and port logistics sectors.

On 8th May 2021, Maastricht Maersk arrived to APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, carrying on board two iconic Maersk containers, painted skilfully with a rainbow to celebrate diversity and inclusion. On March 11, 2021, the boxes 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.

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. It was now time for Rotterdam to host the containers, which will be displayed at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II until 16th May, giving the employees of the terminal and of other A.P. Moller – Maersk brands a chance to sign the inside of the containers, as a symbol of their own personal commitment to diversity and inclusion. One of the first ones to do so was APM Terminals Maasvlakte II Managing Director Jan Buijze, accompanied by representatives of Maersk and Hamburg Süd.

Representing the company’s global leadership team, APM Terminals CFO Katja Otten commented: “We are very proud to welcome these rainbow containers in yet another APM Terminals location, following Los Angeles and Yokohama, as part of their world tour. As company, we deeply believe in the right of all our employees to be who they are and shine their true colours. The principles of diversity and inclusion are deeply rooted in our corporate culture and as a global organization, we are guided by them also in attracting and developing our talents.”

After their stay at Maasvlakte II, containers will also embark on a route across The Netherlands, visiting some of the landmarks of the country, as well as locations of participating customers and partners. Throughout their voyage, all those lucky enough to see one of these rainbow boxes are encouraged to take a picture and share on social media platforms using the hashtag #InclusionAllTheWay. The containers will then continue their journey to other ports in Europe, celebrating diversity and inclusion along the way.