Royal Caribbean hires Maersk's Palle Laursen for new marine leadership roleRoyal Caribbean hires Maersk's Palle Laursen for new marine leadership role

Laursen, who joins May 1, will report to Royal Caribbean Group President/CEO Jason Liberty and be part of the company's Executive Committee.

Oversees full fleet's maritime operations

Laursen will oversee all marine operations for the company's entire fleet, with strategic oversight of marine operations for joint-venture partners TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Decarbonization push

'Palle has had a long and distinguished career with Maersk and is a recognized leader in the maritime industry,' Liberty said. 'With more than 25 years of experience, his direct technical and operational knowledge will serve our company well, especially as we continually work to decarbonize our business.'

Most recently, Laursen served as chief fleet and technical officer at AP Møller – Maersk, responsible for its entire fleet of more than 750 container vessels, 400 chartered vessels and 350 owned vessels as well as chartering, technical management, crew management, safety and compliance, newbuilding activities and engineering services.

He also led Maersk's effort to have the entire fleet operating fully carbon neutral by 2040.

Career-long Maersk man

Having joined the Maersk Group in 1998, Laursen has spent his entire career at the Danish shipping company. Previously, he was VP and head of ship management. He also held several other roles with increasing responsibilities, including head of technical services, ship engineering and technical vessel operations.

Laursen graduated from Denmark's Svendborg International Maritime Academy as a marine engineer and has completed several executive and leadership development programs.