A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) has taken a significant step forward in its fleet renewal and decarbonization strategy by signing agreements with three shipyards for the construction of 20 container vessels equipped with dual-fuel engines. The combined capacity of these vessels is 300,000 TEU, marking a milestone in Maersk’s ongoing efforts to transition to a more sustainable shipping future.
Advancing Decarbonization with Flexible Deployment
The new orders represent the culmination of Maersk’s fleet renewal commitments as outlined in its August 2024 update. Speaking on the development, Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, said:
“We are pleased to have signed agreements for 20 vessels and thereby completed the acquisition of 300,000 TEU capacity as announced in August. These orders are a part of our ongoing fleet renewal program and in line with our commitment to decarbonisation, as all the vessels will have dual-fuel engines with the intent to operate them on lower emissions fuel.”
The vessels, equipped with liquified gas dual-fuel propulsion systems, will range in size from 9,000 TEU to 17,000 TEU. Their varying sizes will allow Maersk the flexibility to deploy them across diverse routes and functions within its extensive global network.
Cristescu emphasized the strategic importance of these vessels:
“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.”
Timeline for Delivery
The delivery of these vessels is planned to commence in 2028 and conclude by 2030, ensuring a gradual integration into Maersk’s operations while phasing out older, less efficient tonnage.
Specifications of the New Orders
The 20 vessels have been ordered across three shipyards, showcasing Maersk’s commitment to leveraging global expertise:
- 2x 9,000 TEU vessels from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, China
- 12x 15,000 TEU vessels, split equally between Hanwha Ocean, South Korea, and New Times Shipbuilding, China
- 6x 17,000 TEU vessels from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, China
All vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel propulsion systems capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other lower-emission fuels, reinforcing Maersk’s focus on sustainable shipping solutions.
In addition to these owned vessels, Maersk has finalized charter agreements for a fleet of methanol and LNG dual-fuel vessels totaling 500,000 TEU capacity. These chartered vessels will also replace older tonnage, supporting Maersk’s decarbonization objectives.
A Commitment to Net-Zero by 2040
Maersk’s dual-fuel vessel orders reflect its broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. This involves adopting innovative technologies, integrating low-emission fuels, and ensuring alignment with its customers’ sustainability goals.
About A.P. Moller – Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk is a global leader in integrated logistics, dedicated to simplifying and connecting supply chains for its customers. Operating in over 130 countries with a workforce of approximately 100,000 employees, Maersk is at the forefront of the transition toward a sustainable maritime future.
This announcement reinforces Maersk’s leadership in the global maritime industry by combining sustainability with operational flexibility. The bunkering community can anticipate increased demand for low-emission fuels as these vessels come online, signaling a shift towards greener fueling solutions across major shipping lanes.
Source A.P. Moller – Maersk