Feature, Freight News, Sea

Maersk Orders Eight 18,600-TEU Vessels

[ February 11, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

A.P. Moller–Maersk has ordered eight large container vessels from China’s New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., expanding its newbuilding pipeline as part of an ongoing fleet renewal program.

The ships will form a new series of 18,600-TEU vessels, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030. Measuring 366 meters in length and 58.6 meters in beam, the vessels are shorter than the industry’s largest container ships, a design Maersk said improves deployment flexibility across its global network.

“Although these vessels are large, they offer greater flexibility than the largest ships currently being built,” said Anda Cristescu, Maersk’s head of chartering and newbuilding.

The vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of operating on conventional bunker fuel or liquefied gas.

Following the order, Maersk has 33 vessels on order, with four scheduled for delivery during the remainder of 2026.

Tags: A.P. Moller - Maersk, New Times Shipbuliding Co. Ltd.