Maersk orders eight 18,600 TEU dual-fuel vessels from New Times Shipbuilding, set for delivery in 2029 and 2030 as part of fleet renewal.
Maersk has signed an order for eight large vessels with New Times Shipbuilding Co Ltd in China, reports London's Port Technology International. The new series of 18,600 TEU ships is scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030.
Each vessel will measure 366 metres in length and 58.6 metres in breadth, making them more compact than the current maximum container ship length of 400 metres. All will be equipped with dual-fuel engines able to run on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas.
Following this order, Maersk now has 33 vessels on its books, with four due for delivery later in 2026. The company stated that the new ships form part of its ongoing fleet renewal programme.
Anda Cristescu, head of chartering and newbuilding at Maersk, noted that deployment flexibility was a key factor in the decision. 'Although these vessels are large, they offer greater flexibility than the largest ships currently being built,' Ms Cristescu said.
Last month, Maersk opened a new Ground Freight facility in Fontana, California, reinforcing its commitment to integrated logistics solutions across North America.
