Maersk continues with fleet renewal plan

In its ongoing fleet renewal efforts, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is continuing its strategy initiated in 2021 by securing newbuilding orders and time-charter contracts for dual-fuel vessels. This initiative is aligned with the company’s goal of renewing its fleet at a pace of approximately 160,000 TEU per year.

The renewal programme is a crucial element in maintaining Maersk’s competitive position within the ocean shipping industry, as well as advancing its decarbonisation objectives. With shipyard orderbooks rapidly filling up and delivery lead times increasing, Maersk has taken proactive steps to secure 800,000 TEU of dual-fuel vessel capacity. These vessels are expected to enhance the company’s operational efficiency and maintain a steady flow of capacity from 2026 to 2030.

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The new fleet will consist of both owned and chartered vessels, providing Maersk with significant financial and operational flexibility while ensuring the ownership of key strategic tonnage. The vessels will vary in size, offering the company diverse network options. All vessels will be dual-fuel, designed to run on low-emission fuels, aligning with Maersk’s decarbonisation strategy. The propulsion systems will include a mix of methanol and liquified gas, with a focus on green methanol as a viable path to decarbonisation. The company also anticipates a multi-fuel future that may incorporate bio-LNG. Once operational, these dual-fuel vessels will constitute around 25% of Maersk’s fleet.

This fleet expansion will not increase overall capacity, as each new vessel will replace one that is being retired. This approach allows Maersk to maintain its fleet size at approximately 4.3 million TEU. By diversifying its fleet and fuel options, Maersk gains the flexibility and expertise to navigate a future with multiple sustainable fuel pathways, furthering the decarbonisation of ocean transport.