Maersk orders 26 large container ships to renew fleet

COPENHAGEN, September 19 - Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk announced on September 19 its intention to order 26 new large container ships to modernize its fleet, according to a statement issued to AFP via email. The new vessels are set to be delivered by 2029 and 2030, the company stated. However, Maersk refrained from disclosing the names of the shipyards responsible for constructing these ships or the financial value of the respective contracts.

The company disclosed that these ships will possess a capacity of 18,600 TEU, or Twenty-foot Equivalent Units, and will be powered by dual-fuel engines capable of operating on liquefied gas. In early August, Maersk adjusted its full-year earnings forecasts following a notable surge in profits, which doubled during the second quarter.

This growth was primarily attributed to robust demand in Asia, despite a challenging backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupting tanker and cargo traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for oil, gas, and other essential industrial commodities. The information was provided by AFP.