Maersk orders eight large vessels with greater deployment flexibility

A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has signed an order of eight large vessels with New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in China. All eight ships will have the same characteristics and make up a new series of 18,600 TEU vessels with delivery in 2029 and 2030.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement for eight large vessels. The order is part of our ongoing fleet renewal and helps maintain our fleet’s competitive edge,” said Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk.

At 366 metres in length and 58.6 metres in breadth, these vessels (render pictured) are more compact than the current maximum container vessel length of 400 metres.

“Deployment flexibility has been a key factor in our decision-making,” added Cristescu. “Although these vessels are large, they offer greater flexibility than the largest ships currently being built in our industry. This provides us with multiple deployment options across both our current and future network.”

The ships will be equipped with dual-fuel engines able to operate on conventional bunker fuel or liquified gas.

Following this new order, Maersk now has 33 vessels on order, with four scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2026.