Maersk, the shipping giant, is taking significant strides toward greener oceans by placing orders for 20 new dual-fuel container ships. This ambitious move is part of its overarching strategy to reduce carbon emissions within the global maritime sector. According to reports, these cutting-edge vessels will be capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking a substantial upgrade from traditional fuels.
The contracts for the construction of these ships have been secured with shipyards across China and South Korea. Notably, two of the ships will come from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China with each having the capacity of 9,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Maersk has also ordered twelve more ships, each capable of carrying 15,000 TEUs, which will be constructed by both Hanwha Ocean and New Times Shipbuilding, six ships from each yard. To round out this fleet, six additional vessels, each with a capacity of 17,000 TEUs, will also be built at Yangzijiang.
Anda Cristescu, who is the head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk, expressed enthusiasm about the latest order, emphasizing its role as a cornerstone to the company’s fleet renewal program and its commitment to decarbonization. "These vessels will help drastically reduce emissions by operating on cleaner fuels," Cristescu stated.
Set to hit the water between 2028 and 2030, these vessels are part of Maersk's larger strategy for fleet modernization. This isn’t merely about upgrading existing vessels; it's about reshaping the entire fleet to meet future sustainability goals. Earlier this year, the company already announced plans to charter dual-fuel vessels capable of composing another 500,000 TEUs, reflecting Maersk’s substantial commitment to environmental stewardship.
When these dual-fuel ships become operational, it will enable about 25% of Maersk's fleet to operate with such environmentally friendly engines. Notably, these ships will be prepared for the possibility of using alternative fuels such as liquefied bio-methane, facilitating flexibility to tackle future environmental regulations.
By diversifying the types of vessels and their capabilities within the fleet, Maersk is not only preparing for varying demands of the global shipping industry but is also ensuring it meets stringent regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new ships, ranging from 9,000 to 17,000 TEUs, allow for different roles across Maersk’s global operations, enhancing operational efficiency.
With this significant step, Maersk aims to define its future by aligning its operations with international decarbonization goals, proving yet again why it remains at the forefront of maritime innovation. Cristescu remarked on the diverse capabilities of the new ships, stating, "These vessels can serve different roles across our network, giving us the flexibility to adapt to market needs." The shipping titan is clearly setting sail toward a more sustainable future, ready to navigate the challenges of the modern maritime environment.
