Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller

We have recently completed a custom build for a Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller container ship model. At the time of its launch in 2013, it was the world’s biggest and most efficient operational container ship, with an incredible length of 399 metres, and a cargo capacity of 18,270 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent) containers.

The Mc-Kinney Moller was the first ship of Maersk Line’s Triple E class of container vessels, and 19 other identical ships followed. It was named after the late Arnold Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, who died in 2012. He was a long-serving Danish shipping magnate, and the son of Arnold Peter Møller, cofounder of A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S alongside his own father, Peter Mærsk Møller. The company as a whole is more commonly referred to as simply Maersk.

With a total cost of $190 million, the Mc-Kinney Moller’s construction was no small feat, and came with complications. Initially, it was actually forced to operate at far less than its maximum cargo capacity, as most of the ports in the world that were certified to handle Triple E-class vessels didn’t have cranes tall enough to load cargo onto the ship!

In late 2014, she was surpassed as the world’s largest container ship by China Shipping Container Lines’ CSCL Globe, however, she remains as grand and efficient as ever, operating all year round for Maersk.

Our model equivalent was to measure 102 centimetres in length, 15 in width and 27 in height, and it was to be finished in exquisite detail, and handcrafted in our workshop from the ground up.

The project was carried out for a private client located in Australia. As per usual practice, we are unable to disclose many specifics here.

The client was extremely pleased with the finished Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller model, as well as with our transparent communication and timely delivery, especially considering the complexities of an international transaction.

The model was primarily handcrafted from timber, fiberglass, and chrome detailing, with dimensions measuring 102 centimetres in length, 15 centimetres in width, and 27 centimetres in height. It was designed to be highly detailed and extremely precise, with no moving parts, internal mechanisms, or lighting features.

The stands were made from brass, and the model was supported by a sleek black base. While CNC machinery was employed for some smaller components, like the aerials on the bridge and other fine details, the majority of the work was completed by hand.

The estimated construction time was seven months from start to finish. The payment structure was a 50% deposit upfront, 30% when nearing completion, and the remaining 20% upon delivery. The cost also covered a durable wooden packing case, specifically crafted to safeguard the model during shipping and ensure its safe arrival.

Our Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller model was primarily handcrafted, using timber, chrome detailing, acrylic, and fiberglass. Small amounts of brass were used for the supports.

Before starting any construction, we ensured that all agreements with the client were thoroughly discussed and finalized, covering dimensions, specific details, aesthetics, financial arrangements, and a clear timeline to avoid any misunderstandings.

We always begin with the hull, as it forms the foundation for any ship model. In this case, we carefully measured it to match the precise specifications. Once the hull was completed, we moved on to the upper deck. Smaller wooden planks were added along the ship’s sides, eventually covering the top to hide the internal reinforcements. Following that, we constructed the base for the bridge and added the dark red supports for the miniature TEU containers.

The next steps involved painting the hull, deck, and finer details, followed by the installation of chrome accents. The lower part of the hull was painted a sleek, deep red, while the upper part was finished in a crisp blue. We added professional black decals on the sides reading “Maersk Line,” and on the rear, “Maersk MC-KINNEY MOLLER” with “HELLERUP” beneath it, referencing the affluent district in Copenhagen’s suburbs.

Small orange life rafts were attached near the bridge and bulwarks, while the containers displayed the names of companies associated with Maersk to enhance realism. As the build approached completion, the model was carefully cleaned and refined, with black-painted windows on the bridge adding the final touch to the project.

The client was thrilled with the final product and especially impressed by the level of intricate detail we achieved. The shipping and delivery went seamlessly, enabling them to proudly display their model.

It was a pleasure to craft another custom container ship model, and we are eagerly looking forward to our upcoming projects!