A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has signed an order for eight large vessels with China-based New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. All eight ships will have the same characteristics and make up a new series of 18,600 TEU vessels, with delivery in 2029 and 2030. At 366 metres in length and 58.6 metres in breadth, these vessels are more compact than the current maximum container vessel length of 400 metres.
The ships will be equipped with dual-fuel engines able to operate on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas. Following this new order, Maersk now has 33 vessels on order, with four scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2026. Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, said the agreement is part of the carrier's "ongoing fleet renewal" programme.
The order embodies Maersk's fleet transformation strategy toward the 2030s; dual-fuel options offer both operational flexibility within the existing bunker fuel chain and a transition path to future low-carbon fuels. The more compact size preserves operational flexibility by maintaining port compatibility while increasing capacity. The deal can also be read as Maersk's strategic response to the Hapag-Lloyd–ZIM merger in the global container capacity race.
Key Takeaways:
1. Maersk has signed an order for eight 18,600 TEU dual-fuel vessels with New Times Shipbuilding.
2. The vessels will be 366 metres long and 58.6 metres wide; delivery in 2029-2030.
3. Dual-fuel engines will be able to run on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas.
4. With this order, Maersk's total orderbook now stands at 33 vessels.
5. The deal can be seen as a strategic move in the capacity race against the Hapag-Lloyd–ZIM merger.
