Maersk orders eight 18,600-TEU dual-fuel container ships to strengthen fleet renewal

Maersk has ordered eight large container vessels with a capacity of around 18,600 TEU each, as part of its ongoing fleet renewal and deployment flexibility strategy, according to The Maritime Telegraph and the official Maersk press release reported by MarineLink . The vessels will be built at New Times Shipbuilding in China and are scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

 

Each ship will measure approximately 366 metres in length and 58.6 metres in breadth, making them slightly smaller than the world’s longest container vessels, which reach about 400 metres. Despite being more compact, they maintain significant carrying capacity and are designed for broader deployment across global trade routes.

 

As reported by Safety4Sea , all eight vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of operating on conventional bunker fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG). This configuration gives Maersk greater operational flexibility and supports its fuel diversification efforts.

 

Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, stated that the order is part of the company’s ongoing fleet renewal programme and helps maintain the fleet’s competitive edge. She noted that while the ships are large, they offer greater flexibility than the biggest container vessels currently being built, allowing them to operate across a wider range of services.

 

Safety4Sea also reports that following this order, Maersk’s order book totals 33 vessels, with four scheduled for delivery later in 2026. The new 18,600-TEU ships complement other recent investments, including mid-size vessels fitted with methanol-capable dual-fuel engines.

 

Picture: AP Moller-Maersk