Maersk Orders Eight 18,600 TEU LNG Dual-Fuel Ultra-Large Container Vessels from New Times Shipbuilding
Maersk Orders Eight 18,600 TEU LNG Dual-Fuel Ultra-Large Container Vessels from New Times Shipbuilding
A.P. Moller – Maersk, the Danish shipping giant, officially announced on February 9, 2026, that it has signed a shipbuilding agreement with China’s New Times Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for eight ultra-large container vessels (ULCS) of 18,600 TEU each, totaling 148,800 TEU. These vessels form a new standardized series, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2030, marking Maersk’s first major newbuilding order in 2026.
Vessel Specifications & Technical Highlights
• Capacity: 18,600 TEU per vessel, 148,800 TEU for the entire series
• Dimensions: 366m in length and 58.6m in breadth, more compact than the current 400m-class ULCS, balancing scale and port accessibility
• Propulsion: Equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines, capable of operating on conventional marine fuel or liquefied natural gas, complying with the latest IMO emission regulations
• Environmental Performance: Reduces SOx emissions by 99%, NOx by 90%, and CO₂ by 20–30% compared to conventional vessels, aligning with Maersk’s 2040 net-zero target
Strategic Significance & Market Impact
Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, stated: “Deployment flexibility has been a key factor in our decision-making. While large, these vessels offer greater operational flexibility than the largest ships in our industry, enabling more deployment options across our global network.”
This order is a critical step in Maersk’s fleet modernization. Following this deal, Maersk has 33 vessels on order, with four scheduled for delivery in the remainder of 2026. It also marks a renewed partnership between Maersk and New Times Shipbuilding, following a 2024 order for six 15,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels, solidifying New Times Shipbuilding’s position in global large container ship construction.
