[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5264]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         MAERSK McKINNEY MOLLER

 Mr. BREAUX. Mr. President, I rise to share with my colleagues 
a few remarks about a very remarkable gentlemen that visited with me 
recently. Maersk McKinney Moller is a legendary figure in his native 
Denmark. And after our meeting, I've come to appreciate even more his 
ties to the United States and the history he's lived in his 86 years.
  Mr. Moller, as some of my colleagues may know, is the owner of the 
world's largest shipping company--the AP Moller Group. Its U.S. 
headquarters were founded in 1943, and its U.S. affiliate, Maersk Line, 
Limited was chartered in Delaware in 1947. Today, it generates 
employment for approximately 9000 Americans through 10 U.S. corporate 
entities devoted to ship management, terminal operations, trucking, 
rail, transportation and logistics services. On a global scale AP 
Moller controls approximately 250 ships, 53 of which fly the stars and 
stripes of the United States. It is notably, the largest US-flag 
commercial fleet in the world.
  Mr. Mollers' ties to the United States go back to 1910, well before 
he was even born. In that year his father, Arnold Peter Moller, married 
Chastine Estelle McKinney, a native of Kansas City, MO. Returning to 
Copenhagen, the senior Moller had by 1940 built a fleet of 46 ships, 
many of which were engaged by the US and its allies in WWII.
  April 1940 saw Germany invaded Denmark and young Maersk McKinney 
Moller's life fundamentally changed. With his bride of five days, he 
came to the United States. With personal assets blocked by the war, 
times were financially lean and his lifestyle was modest. The ensuing 
eight years, however, marked a period that cemented his enduring bond 
with Americans and admiration for U.S. armed forces.
  By the time WWII ended in 1945, 148 Maersk seamen had lost their 
lives and the Maersk fleet had lost 25 vessels.
  That personal history would color much of what followed for Maersk-
McKinney. After the war, he and his father rebuilt the AP Moller Group 
into the global shipping powerhouse it is today. Along the way, he has 
maintained a close relationship with the United States and her allies 
in ways that make a significant contribution to our national security.
  For nearly 20 years Maersk Lines, Limited, has partnered with the 
United States Marine Corps to preposition ships and supplies where 
needed. Maersk ships, in fact, were the first vessels to arrive in 
Desert Storm and off-load critically needed Marine Corps supplies and 
equipment.
  Prior to Desert Storm, Maersk Line, Limited obtained a secret 
clearance from the Department of Defense and now has a top-secret 
clearance to operate sensitive surveillance ships for the US Navy.
  I point these things out to my colleagues for a couple of reasons. 
First, as a matter of general interest, I wish more of my colleagues 
could have the pleasure of visiting with Mr. Moller. His personal 
history has imbued him with a very thoughtful approach and seasoned 
perspective on global issues.
  Second, as the man behind the largest commercial fleet of US-flag 
ships, he has proven to be a valuable partner to our defense interests. 
His ships and loading facilities and transportation infrastructure have 
moved literally tons of supplies that support our men and women in 
uniform.
  In the future the Maritime Security Program, MSP, one of the programs 
critical for maintaining a US-flagged shipping fleet, will need to be 
reauthorized. During times of critical national need, MSP participants 
like Maersk Line, Limited are contractually obligated to the 
statutorily mandated Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, VISA. I, 
for one, am reassured to know that a man of Maersk McKinney Moller's 
stature and integrity is involved so strongly in this aspect of our 
national defense. He has proven his value to our Nation many times 
over.

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