A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world’s second-largest ocean container carrier, has finalized agreements with three shipyards to build 20 new dual-fuel container vessels with a total capacity of 300,000 TEUs.
These ships can run on either methanol or liquefied natural gas (LNG), aligning with Maersk’s fleet renewal plan announced in August 2024, which focuses on decarbonization and sustainability. The orders include vessels from Chinese and South Korean shipyards.
“These orders are a part of our ongoing fleet renewal program and in line with our commitment to decarbonization, as all the vessels will have dual-fuel engines with the intent to operate them on lower emissions fuel,” said Anda Cristescu, head of chartering and newbuilding at Maersk, in a press release.
The orders include:
- Two 9,000 TEU and six 17,000 TEU ships from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding China)
- Six 15,000 TEU ships from Hanwha Ocean (South Korea)
- Six 15,000 TEU ships from New Times Shipbuilding (China)
“Due to their different sizes, the vessels will be able to fill many roles and functions within our future network and give us a lot of deployment flexibility when they are ready to enter our fleet. Once phased in, they will replace existing capacity in our fleet,” added Cristescu.
Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2030, completing Maersk’s fleet renewal plan aimed at maintaining its total capacity of 4.3 TEU while focusing on sustainability.
“These orders will not add to the overall capacity and over time every vessel coming in will be replacing a scrapped vessel having reached end of life, ensuring that we maintain our fleet size at around 4.3m TEU.” Said Maersk Head of Asset Strategy and Strategic Partnerships, Ahmed Hassan.
“By diversifying our fleet and fuel options, we gain the flexibility, knowledge, and experience to cater to a future with multiple fuel paths. We thank our partners for working with us to move the industry further towards enabling a future with decarbonized ocean transport,” added Hassan.
Maersk has finalized charter contracts for a range of methanol and liquefied gas dual-fuel vessels totaling 500,000 TEUs, which will gradually replace existing fleet capacity.
The company has emphasized flexibility in its fleet renewal, considering vessel size, charter levels, and fuel options, including LNG and lower-emission alternatives. Maersk views methanol as a key low-emission fuel in the short to medium term and has placed orders accordingly. Additionally, the company has launched its newest dual-fuel methanol container vessel, A.P. Møller, marking its ninth methanol-capable vessel, with 18 more planned for delivery by 2025.
