2016

CMA CGM completes acquisition of NOL; APL becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group. 
APL joins OCEAN ALLIANCE, a league of the world’s largest container shipping lines, expanding its global network to more than 110 services calling ports in over 70 countries.

2015

CMA CGM announces pre-conditional voluntary general cash offer for NOL.

2013

Introduces APL Temasek, APL’s first and largest containership (14,000 TEU) and most environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient vessel

2012

Announces the G6 Alliance serving the Asia-to-Europe-and-Mediterranean market

2011

First container shipping line to use cleaner-burning, low sulphur fuel

2010

Introduces first tracking service that monitors temperature and humidity of refrigerated containers (reefers)

2009

OceanGuaranteed® expands to include Mexico

2007

Launches ground-breaking service that connects South East Asia and the Indian Subcontinent with the U.S. via the Suez Canal

2006

Teams up with U.S. long-haul trucker, Con-Way, to introduce OceanGuaranteed®, the industry’s first date-definite delivery service for Less than Container load (LCL) shipments

2005

First shipping company to install real-time container locating system using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

1999

Introduces HomePort®, the container shipping industry’s first customizable web portal

1997

Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) and APL merge, combining the strengths of both companies. APL is adopted as the major container shipping brand for customers.

1996

Pioneers online shipment transactions via the Internet

1995

Launches industry’s first website and offer online shipment transactions

1991

Starts stacktrain service from Chicago to Mexico

1989

Introduces the first 53-foot container for U.S. domestic use

1988

Takes delivery of first post-Panamax ships

1986

Introduces the 48-foot container to the U.S.

1984

Pioneers “stacktrain” and container tracing technology

1980

Introduces the 45-foot container

1979

First dedicated train service linking port cities with the interior of the U.S.

1974

Launch of first fully containerized ships

1961

Among the first shipping companies to embrace containerization

1958

Begins investigating the possibility of containerization, and sent investigation teams into 28 major ports

1944

U.S. government builds 16 additional ships for American President Lines, including the President Buchanan, a Victory class vessel

1942

American President Lines acts as an agent for the War Shipping Administration, overseeing vessel manning, equipping, overhaul and repair, handling of cargo and passengers, and fueling

1940

U.S. government builds 16 new ships for American President Lines, including the President Jackson, a C-3 class vessel

1917

First direct service between the U.S. and the Philippines

1867

First regular Trans-Pacific steamship service between the U.S., Yokohama and Hong Kong

1848

APL’s earliest predecessor, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company is incorporated