Royal Wagenborg, renowned for its commitment to sustainable shipping practices, witnessed a significant moment as Her Majesty Queen Máxima conducted the christening ceremony for the NextGen Easymax vessels ‘Maxima’ and ‘Alexia’ during Delfsail. In the presence of 2,000 employees and guests, these vessels were blessed, emblematic of Royal Wagenborg’s dedication to green shipping solutions and the lowest CO2 footprint in the industry.
After a word of welcome and a speech by CEO Egbert Vuursteen, Her Majesty Queen Máxima performed the world’s first naming and christening ceremony by drone. By pushing a button, this drone flew to shipyard Niestern Sander a mile ahead, where the Easymax vessel is nearing completion, and christened yard number 853 ‘Alexia’.
Her Majesty Queen Máxima then proceeded with the christening of her ‘own’ vessel. For this special event, the vessel ‘Maxima’ was moored along the terminal of shipyard Royal Niestern Sander in Wagenborg’s home port Delfzijl. After the naming and christening ceremony, 42 dancers carrying a flag representing all present countries gave a spectacular dance performance.
Her Majesty Queen Máxima engaged with the contractors, who built both Easymax vessels, various domestic and foreign guests who are closely involved with Wagenborg, and the offspring of shareholders, who shared their ideas about a sustainable future. During a boat tour through the port, Queen Máxima met various captains of the tall ships.
126 Years of Wagenborg
During the program, Wagenborg reflected on its 126 years of history with all attendees and cast a glance at the future of the family company. The Easymax ships play a prominent role in this future. Wagenborg is therefore particularly proud Queen Máxima was its guest of honor during Delfsail.
Egbert Vuursteen, CEO Royal Wagenborg said “In 1995, we had the christening of ‘Kroonborg’ by then Crown Prince Willem Alexander. In 2009, then Queen Beatrix christened our ‘Beatrix’, and now Her Majesty Queen Máxima was our guest of honor during Delfsail. I am delighted that she wanted to christen no fewer than two vessels.”
Easymax Series
The Easymax is the latest ice-strengthened vessel type with unmatched fuel efficiency performance. Today, with the lowest CO2 footprint per tonne of cargo carried, the Easymax series leads the global Energy Efficiency Design Index. The ship has the traditional Wagenborg red-grey colors, but she could have been all green.
About Royal Wagenborg
Founded in 1898, Royal Wagenborg is a global maritime logistics family business. With 3,000 professionals and an extensive fleet on both land and sea, Royal Wagenborg deliver safe and sustainable logistic solutions. With confidence, proudly walk the extra mile to deliver on the promises, whatever the challenge. the people are the pillar of strength for the customers, each other, the environment, and the generations to come. Wagenborg. For sure.
Source Royal Wagenborg