Maersk Places Landmark Orders for LNG Dual-Fuel Vessels in China

Brokers report that Maersk has turned to China for its latest expansion, placing significant orders for LNG dual-fuel vessels, a propulsion technology the company had previously distanced itself from.

Several broking houses confirm that the Danish shipping giant has signed a deal for six 16,000 TEU ships with New Times Shipbuilding, with an option for six additional vessels. Each ship is priced at $200 million, with deliveries set for 2028.

Maersk has yet to officially confirm the order.

In its August interim report, Maersk outlined its fleet renewal strategy through 2030. The company emphasized two key points: its plan to maintain its fleet size at 4.3 million TEU and its decision to proceed with orders for dual-fuel vessels capable of running on bio-LNG, a fuel option it had previously dismissed.

During the latest quarterly update, Maersk confirmed it is signing newbuilding orders and time-charter contracts for dual-fuel ships at a pace of about 160,000 TEU annually.

Maersk is opting for a mix of methanol and LNG dual-fuel systems. 

“While green methanol is likely to become the most competitive and scalable pathway to decarbonization in the short term, Maersk also foresees a multifuel future for the industry which includes liquified bio-methane,” the company said in a statement.