Maersk's board officially elected Jim Hagemann Snabe its new chairman as the liner operator accelerates efforts to bring more technology to one of the world's largest shipping companies.

Outgoing chairman Michael Pram Rasmussen announced he would resign in February, with Snabe named as replacement.

Snabe, 51, has served as an independent director on Maersk's board since last year. That stands in contrast to outgoing chairman Michael Pram Rasmussen, who has served on Maersk's board for over 12 years.