A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has firmed up a contract with New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in China for a new series of eight large container vessels. Scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030, the 18,600 TEU ships are a central component of Maersk’s long-term fleet renewal strategy, aimed at balancing massive scale with operational agility.
The order underscores a shift in naval architecture, moving away from the “mega-ship” trend of 400-meter vessels in favour of a more compact, versatile design.
Dimensions Built for Versatility
While the 18,600 TEU capacity places these ships firmly in the ultra-large category, their physical footprint is specifically designed to access a wider range of global ports than the 24,000 TEU “megamaxes.”
- Length: 366 metres (compared to the industry-maximum 400 metres).
- Breadth: 58.6 metres.
- Strategic Advantage: The shorter length allows these vessels to navigate tighter berthing constraints and port infrastructure that cannot accommodate the largest ships currently in service.
Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, explained: “Deployment flexibility has been a key factor in our decision-making. Although these vessels are large, they offer greater flexibility than the largest ships currently being built… This provides us with multiple deployment options across both our current and future network.”
Dual-Fuel Propulsion and ESG Goals
In alignment with Maersk’s goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, the new series will feature:
- Dual-Fuel Engines: Capable of operating on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas (LNG).
- Future-Proofing: The choice of LNG allows Maersk to hedge against fuel availability uncertainty while significantly reducing immediate carbon, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to traditional heavy fuel oil.
2026 Fleet Momentum
This latest agreement brings Maersk’s total orderbook to 33 vessels. While the New Times series won’t arrive until the end of the decade, the company is already integrating new tonnage into its active network:
- Short-term Growth: Four vessels are scheduled for delivery during the remainder of 2026.
- Methanol Milestones: This order follows the recent launch of the Tangier Maersk, the first of six 9,000 TEU methanol-capable vessels, highlighting Maersk’s multi-fuel approach to decarbonization.
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