Maersk (A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S), one of the largest shipping companies, is preparing for a large order of container ships that could significantly increase the company's newbuilding capacity. According to analyses, the company is seeking to secure new ships to compensate for capacity shortages and continue its services.
Details of the New Ship Order
Analysts noted last week that Maersk has been more active than ever in the charter market. The company is trying to secure additional ships to maintain its service coverage. According to analysts, Maersk is set to launch a major new program for building new ships. This program will include orders for 24,000 teu, 19,000 teu, and 18,600 teu ships, with deliveries starting in late 2029.
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According to the weekly new ship order list, Maersk has recently ordered 12 ships of 24,000 teu from Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, 12 units of 19,000 teu from Hyundai HI, and 6 units of 18,600 teu from New Times Shipbuilding. Analysts state that Maersk currently has 1.5 million teu on order, which is equivalent to 32% of the company's existing fleet.
Economic Forecasts and Market Impacts
Analysts have also pointed out that Maersk's order may be even larger than this. The company has widely solicited proposals from Chinese and Korean shipyards to build around 20 ultra-large ships with a capacity of at least 24,000 teu. Additionally, according to analysts, Maersk has invited proposals for 20 more ships with capacities between 18,000 and 20,000 teu.
Considering the average size of the ships, this order of 40 ships could add approximately 840,000 teu to Maersk's order book, increasing the company's newbuilding program from 1.21 million teu to 2.05 million teu and 134 ships. This would position Maersk as the second-largest company after MSC and ahead of COSCO.
Given the significant increase in demand for maritime transport and also supply chain disruptions, Maersk has provided positive updates in its financial forecasts due to improved market conditions and rising freight rates. The company has also managed to overcome concerns regarding fuel costs stemming from Middle Eastern crises and the impact of U.S. tariffs.
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