Maersk Orders Eight Dual-Fuel LNG Container Ships from New Times Shipbuilding
Danish shipping and logistics giant A.P. Moller – Maersk has placed an order for at least eight dual-fuel container vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) at China’s New Times Shipbuilding (NTS).
Details of the Order
According to data from Greek shipbroker Intermodal, the order includes an option for four additional units. Maersk will reportedly pay $193 million per vessel for the 18,000 TEU containerships. Once completed, the LNG-fueled vessels are scheduled for delivery to Maersk in 2028 and 2029.
Advancing Maersk’s Sustainability Goals
With their dual-fuel specifications and ability to run on LNG, the new boxships are expected to achieve significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutant emissions. These vessels form a key part of Maersk’s sustainability strategy, which targets carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
A May 2025 analysis by SEA-LNG, an industry coalition, highlighted that ships with LNG dual-fuel capabilities provide owners with a commercial advantage—including shorter payback periods and access to a well-established global infrastructure. This makes LNG a more practical option compared to alternative fuels such as methanol, ammonia, or very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).
Maersk’s Broader Dual-Fuel Fleet Expansion
Headquartered in Copenhagen, Maersk continues to align its operations with the industry’s decarbonization movement. The company has shown growing interest in LNG and other alternative fuel solutions to maintain leadership in sustainable shipping.
Between 2027 and 2029, Maersk is also set to receive ten 17,000 TEU LNG-fueled containerships ordered in November 2024 from China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.
China’s Expanding Role in LNG Shipbuilding
Like other major shipyards in China, New Times Shipbuilding—the world’s leading shipbuilding nation—has secured multiple major orders and completed several deliveries in recent months.
In November 2024, German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd selected NTS to build twelve 9,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, with deliveries planned from 2027 to 2029.
Earlier, in April 2025, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and NTS held a christening ceremony for three LNG-powered units built to similar specifications.
