Maersk Orders Eight 18,600 TEU Mega Container Ships from China’s New Times Shipbuilding

A.P. Moller-Maersk announced on February 9, 2026, an order for eight large container vessels from New Times Shipbuilding in China, marking a key step in its fleet renewal strategy. The ships, each with 18,600 TEU capacity, are slated for delivery in 2029 and 2030.

Vessel Specifications

All eight vessels share identical specs: 366 meters long, 58.6 meters wide, equipped with dual-fuel engines running on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas. Their compact design—shorter than the industry’s 400-meter giants—offers versatile deployment across Maersk’s network.

Strategic Rationale

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement for eight large vessels,” said Anda Cristescu, Maersk’s Head of Chartering & Newbuilding. “The order is part of our ongoing fleet renewal and helps maintain our fleet’s competitive edge. Although these vessels are large, they offer greater flexibility than the largest ships currently being built in our industry.”

Fleet Expansion Update

This order brings Maersk’s orderbook to 33 vessels, with four due by end-2026. It bolsters capacity amid overcapacity pressures and Red Sea reroutings, positioning the carrier for future trade growth while prioritizing decarbonization-ready tech.