A ship to deliver the goods with a new name, APL recently held a blessing ceremony showcasing its vessel, the APL Oceania.

APL's ship has been blessed and is ready to set sail! originally called CMA CGM Decor, a blessing of the vessel ceremony was a chance for APL to re-introduce the ship with a name that general manager Charlie Hermosa says is better aligned with their core values.

"When we were looking at the name, the APL’s Oceania, we were really indicative of what it represents not only the region but really supports the entire blue continent so we feel that the name really holds strong within this region and we want to be able to support it in anyway we can," he said.

More than the name, Hermosa says the ceremony was to also honor the ship's workers. "They’re on call 24/7, we wanted to bless the ship itself because they weather all the storms, they go through typhoons, extreme weather and it has to hold together, and then the routes that the ship actually services because the main focal point of what we do is to be able to deliver goods safely and a timely matter to guam, the CNMI, and the region," Hermosa continued.

With the island still in recovery, the re-naming and ceremony, came at just the right time. "We feel that we play an important role in that because obviously, over 90% of the cargo may come in through ocean, through the airport, through the port and we play a large part in the recovery effort to bring in equipment, materials, bring in food, water, you name it so we feel very connected to the community doing that."

Adding to the perfect timing of Oceania, as APL celebrates 175 years of service.