Danish shipping giant Maersk has finalized agreements with two Chinese shipyards and one South Korean shipyard to construct 20 dual-fuel container vessels.
These contracts complete the newbuilding orders announced in August 2024 as part of Maersk’s fleet renewal plan.
Fleet Renewal Plan Overview
In August, Maersk unveiled plans for 50–60 new container ships, combining owned and chartered dual-fuel vessels. The total capacity of these ships will amount to 800,000 TEU, with 300,000 TEU designated as owned capacity and the remaining 500,000 TEU secured through time-charter agreements.
On December 2, Maersk confirmed the signing of shipbuilding contracts for 20 owned vessels, alongside finalizing charter contracts with several tonnage providers. Once phased in, the charter vessels will replace existing fleet capacity.
Details of the New Orders
The 20 newly ordered ships will feature liquefied gas dual-fuel propulsion systems and range in size from 9,000 TEU to 17,000 TEU. The construction contracts were awarded to three shipyards:
- Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (China): Two 9,000 TEU vessels and six 17,000 TEU vessels.
- New Times Shipbuilding (China): Six 15,000 TEU vessels.
- Hanwha Ocean (South Korea): Six 15,000 TEU vessels.
Delivery Timeline
The first vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028, with the final deliveries expected by 2030.
Commitment to Decarbonization
Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, commented on the development:
“We are pleased to have signed agreements for 20 vessels, completing the acquisition of 300,000 TEU capacity as announced in August. These orders align with our fleet renewal program and commitment to decarbonization, as all vessels will feature dual-fuel engines designed to operate on lower-emission fuels.
“Thanks to their varying sizes, these vessels will offer deployment flexibility across our future network. Once introduced, they will replace existing fleet capacity, enhancing our operational efficiency and sustainability.”
