According to Greek shipbroker Intermodal, Maersk’s latest order includes an option for four additional units, with each of the 18,000 TEU containerships reportedly costing $193 million. The LNG-fueled vessels are expected to be delivered to Maersk between 2028 and 2029.
Thanks to their dual-fuel capability, allowing them to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), these vessels are expected to achieve significant reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutant emissions. They will play a key role in Maersk’s sustainability strategy, which targets carbon-neutral operations by 2040.
A May 2025 SEA-LNG analysis also highlighted that LNG dual-fuel ships offer commercial advantages, including shorter payback periods due to fuel flexibility and access to a well-established LNG infrastructure—advantages over alternative fuels like methanol, ammonia, or very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).
The Copenhagen-based shipping giant, one of the world’s largest maritime transport companies, has increasingly invested in dual-fuel and alternative-fuel vessels to align with the global shipping decarbonization trend. Between 2027 and 2029, Maersk is also set to receive ten 17,000 TEU LNG-fueled containerships from China’s Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, booked in November last year.
China, the world leader in shipbuilding, continues to see high demand. New Times Shipbuilding (NTS) has secured multiple orders and delivered vessels in recent months. In November 2024, German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd contracted NTS for twelve 9,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029.
Furthermore, in April 2025, Swiss shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and NTS held a christening ceremony for three LNG dual-fuel units, showcasing the growing adoption of sustainable technologies in the global container fleet.