Maersk Orders Eight 18,600-TEU Container Ships to Strengthen Fleet Renewal Strategy
Maersk has placed an order for eight large container vessels with a capacity of around 18,600 TEU each, reinforcing its ongoing fleet renewal strategy and focus on deployment flexibility, The Maritime Telegraph reports.
The vessels will be constructed at New Times Shipbuilding in China and are scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030. As highlighted by Maritime Executive, each ship will measure approximately 366–368 metres in length and 58.6 metres in breadth, making them slightly smaller than the world’s longest container ships currently in operation while still offering substantial carrying capacity.
All eight vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running on conventional bunker fuel as well as liquefied gas. According to gCaptain, this configuration provides greater operational flexibility in fuel choice while aligning with evolving industry standards.
Maersk emphasizes that the more compact design compared to ultra-large container vessels will allow broader deployment across global services without limiting the ships to only the largest trade routes. The new order expands the company’s existing newbuilding programme and complements recent deliveries, including a mid-size 9,000 TEU series fitted with methanol-capable dual-fuel engines.
