Maersk Rumored to Double Fleet Orderbook with 40 New Ships
Shipping giant Maersk is rumored to be preparing a massive 40-vessel newbuild order, potentially doubling its orderbook to over 2 million TEU.
Rumors are circulating that A.P. Moller-Maersk is close to placing a massive order for new container ships. According to analysts, the move could double the Danish carrier's current orderbook.
Shipbroking circles are abuzz with talk of a potential 40-ship 'mega' order. The reports suggest Maersk is scrambling to secure new tonnage. This follows a period where Maersk has been the most active carrier on the charter market.
Rumored Newbuild Specifications
Analysts' reports outline a multi-yard order for very large vessels. The specifics remain unconfirmed.
| Ship Size (TEU) | Quantity | Reported Shipyard |
|---|---|---|
| 24,000 | 12 | Jiangsu Yangzijiang |
| 19,000 | 12 | Hengli HI |
| 18,600 | 6 | New Times |
Linerlytica's calculations show Maersk currently has 1.5 million TEU on order. This represents 32% of its existing fleet capacity. The figure was 870,000 TEU at the end of August.
Potential Scale of the Orderbook
Alphaliner suggests the order could be even more significant. The analyst firm states Maersk is widely believed to have requested offers for around 20 ultra-large vessels of at least 24,000 TEU. It is also said to have invited bids for another 20 ships between 18,000 and 20,000 TEU.
Assuming an average size of 21,000 TEU, the 40-ship order could add 840,000 TEU. This would push Maersk's total newbuilding program from 1.21 million TEU to 2.05 million TEU across 134 ships. That would make it the second-largest orderbook after MSC and ahead of COSCO.
Yard Activity and Competing Claims
There is some confusion over which carrier is behind certain orders. Alphaliner notes that CMA CGM may be the actual buyer for the twelve 24,000 TEU ships reportedly ordered from Yangzijiang shipyard. The yard reportedly signed a letter of intent to build that number of dual-fueled ships for an undisclosed line.
Alphaliner has not identified the carrier definitively but believes CMA CGM is the most likely candidate. The analyst learned earlier this year that CMA CGM was 'in the market' for another series of 'megamaxes'. Yangzijiang is already building ten similar LNG dual-fuel ships for CMA CGM, with the first delivered in May and the series due for completion by March 2028.
