In the largest project of its kind, Maersk has installed automated weather stations (AWS) on 50 of its vessels, creating an oceanic web of weather and climate observations. 

All collected data is transmitted live to the National Meteorological Service of Germany, Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), supporting their weather forecasts and climate science.

Maersk and DWD have collaborated on the project since 2019, with the German service providing the 50 systems being installed on the vessels.

As a part of Maersk’s ESG strategy, the company has committed itself to contribute to climate science. 

Maersk vessels have also for years been operating within the global Voluntary Observing Ship Scheme under the Global Ocean Observing System providing regular weather observations, but it has been done manually resulting in a slow process of data sharing. 

By implementing AWS, the vessels can deliver precise high-quality and standardized data in real-time giving DWD useful insights about the current meteorological situation at sea. 

The data provided is shared globally with all members of the World Meteorological Organization.

Aslak Ross, Head of Marine Standards at Maersk said: “There is no doubt that climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the global community and it impacts our business as well as the societies and customers we serve and partner with to enable trade. 

“We have an ambitious strategy for our business to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2040, and we are proud to have our vessels and crews help researchers in gaining a better understanding of this key global challenge and the impact it has on our surroundings.”