DANISH shipping giant Maersk and the world's largest supplier of athletic shoes and apparel and a major manufacturer of sports equipment Nike are to christen one of the world's first methanol-enabled vessels when she arrives in Los Angeles this August.

Powered by green fuel for its maiden voyage and capable of carrying more than 16,000 TEU, the vessel will get its new name at a private ceremony at the Port of Los Angeles Outer Harbour on August 27.

Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Nike chief supply chain officer, said: "Nike is committed to protecting the future of sport and we leverage science-based targets to guide us through our Move to Zero journey.

"Operating one of the largest supply chains in the world, we have a responsibility to advance the innovation and use of more sustainable methods that get us closer to zero carbon and zero waste.

"Working with suppliers like Maersk, who share our commitment to sustainability, we are scaling our use of biofuels in ocean transportation, our main first-mile delivery channel."

On August 28, Maersk will invite the public to tour the 350-metre-long vessel, which will be sailing from Asia.

Visitors will be able to see the sailors' living quarters and even stand on the bridge from where the captain controls the vessel. Public tours will require visitors to register for a free ticket via an online registration site that will be activated and announced in August.

This is the fifth container vessel in Maersk's fleet that can sail on green methanol, an alternative to conventional bunker oil.