Maersk’s fleet renewal comprises newbuilding orders & time-charter contracts for dual-fuel vessels
In continuation of its fleet renewal programme initiated in 2021, A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) is in the process of signing newbuilding orders and time-charter contracts for dual-fuel vessels matching the planned renewal pace of around 160,000 TEU per year.
The ordered capacity will be a mix of owned and chartered, ensuring that Maersk maintains strong financial and operational flexibility while continuing to own a significant part of its strategic tonnage. The vessels come in different sizes offering great network optionality. In line with Maersk’s commitment to decarbonisation, all vessels will be dual-fuel with the intent to operate them on low emissions fuel. To ensure the long-term competitiveness of the fleet and its ability to deliver on the decarbonisation goals, Maersk has elected a mix of methanol and liquefied gas dual-fuel propulsion systems. While green methanol is likely to become the most competitive and scalable pathway to decarbonisation in the short term, Maersk also foresees a multi-fuel future for the industry which includes liquefied bio-methane. Once the vessels have been delivered, around 25% of the Maersk fleet will be equipped with dual-fuel engines, said a release.
Salient features
* The orders will reach a total of 50-60 combining both owned and chartered dual-fuel vessels equalling 800,000 TEU.
* Approximately 300,000 TEU will be owned capacity while the remaining 500,000 TEU is planned through time charter agreements.
* The exact split of propulsion technologies will be determined considering the future regulatory framework and green fuels supply.
* Maersk has commenced the work of securing offtake agreements for liquefied bio-methane (bio-LNG) to ensure that the new dual-fuel gas vessels provide greenhouse gas emissions reductions in this decade.
* Maersk had previously announced the orders of 25 owned dual-fuel methanol vessels; 5 in service and 20 on order, providing around 350,000 TEU of dual-fuel capacity.
Source: Exim News Service: Copenhagen, Aug. 11