Maersk orders 26 large LNG-capable container ships to expand capacity

TOP MAGAZINE · Sea freight

Maersk has placed an order for 26 container ships of 18,600 TEU, all fitted with dual-fuel LNG engines. This move marks a significant expansion of the fleet and is part of a strategy to embrace cleaner fuel solutions and achieve economies of scale on global shipping routes.

Maersk’s largest order in years

Following a period of caution regarding new orders, Maersk has officially confirmed that it is ordering 26 large container ships, each with a capacity of 18,600 TEU. The vessels will be fitted with dual-fuel engines capable of running on LNG, enabling Maersk to respond to the growing demand for more sustainable fuels in the maritime shipping sector.

Deliveries are scheduled for 2029 and 2030. This will substantially strengthen Maersk’s fleet in a market which, following years of relative stagnation on Maersk’s part, has grown significantly thanks to investments by competitors such as MSC, CMA CGM and COSCO.

Impact on capacity and competition

This substantial order will provide Maersk with a total of 483,600 TEU of additional capacity. This is in addition to the current fleet of approximately 4.73 million TEU and the orders already placed for 1.21 million TEU. This expansion re-establishes Maersk as one of the leading players in container shipping, particularly given the scale and environmental profile of the new vessels to be built.

The market for large mainline container ships is thus undergoing a further round of consolidation. The choice of LNG dual-fuel technology is in line with the sector-wide trend towards cleaner and more versatile vessels.

Uncertainties and next steps

Although the order has now been officially confirmed, the exact construction sites and contract values have not been disclosed to the market. It is known, however, that Maersk has previously placed orders with New Times Shipbuilding for similar vessels, and that there are rumours of additional options at these or other shipyards.

The early announcement, well ahead of the expected delivery date, gives market participants time to factor in future shifts in supply and competitive capacity.

What does this mean for your shipment?

TOP’s analysis based on the above developments.

Planning

For shippers, this fleet expansion means that, from 2029 onwards, a structural increase in capacity on main routes can be expected. Early monitoring of delivery schedules provides control over future space.

Costs

With more large and efficient vessels on the market, price pressure on sea freight may arise in the long term, particularly on routes where Maersk competes directly with other shipping lines using new vessels.

Point to note

Take care with long-term contracts: the use of LNG dual-fuel vessels may have implications for CO₂ footprint calculations, emission-related surcharges and customers’ sustainability requirements.