By GMM News | 2024-12-05 | International Shipping News |

A.P. Moller Maersk, a leading shipping conglomerate, has made another bold move in its sustainability efforts by securing an order for 20 new dual-fuel container ships.

With a total capacity of 300,000 TEU, these ships will be built in China and South Korea and are designed to run on liquefied gas, reducing emissions and modernising its fleet.

Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, says the order is a big step in the fleet renewal program and their commitment to decarbonisation. Cristescu added that these vessels will help reduce emissions as they’ll run on cleaner fuels.

Two ships with a capacity of 9,000 TEU each will come from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China. Twelve vessels, each with 15,000 TEU capacity, will be built by Hanwha Ocean in South Korea and New Times Shipbuilding in China, with six ships from each yard.

Additionally, six vessels with a capacity of 17,000 TEU each will also be built at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.

The first ships are expected to be ready by 2028, with the final deliveries in 2030. Once they hit the seas, they’ll replace older ships in Maersk’s fleet, bringing more efficiency and flexibility to its global network.

This order isn’t just one off- it’s part of Maersk’s larger plan to reshape its fleet. In August 2024, the company announced its intention to secure 500,000 TEU worth of dual-fuel vessels through charter deals.

With this latest order, the total capacity of new dual-fuel ships, owned and chartered, will hit 800,000 TEU.

The company is also preparing for a future where multiple fuel options, like liquefied bio-methane, can be used to reduce emissions.

The new ships, ranging from 9,000 to 17,000 TEU, give varied options. “These vessels can serve different roles across our network, giving us the flexibility to adapt,” Cristescu added.

When all these ships are in service, about 25% of Maersk’s fleet will be powered by dual-fuel engines.

Reference: Maersk