Maersk set to order LNG-fuelled mega ships in China as profit outlook improves

According to shipbroking and market sources, Maersk is close to signing a contract with New Times Shipbuilding for eight firm and four optional 18,000-TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels, with deliveries scheduled through 2029. Each vessel is expected to cost more than US$190M to build.

Industry data provider Alphaliner reports that Maersk currently has an orderbook of 61 vessels totalling 807,740 TEU. The world’s second-largest liner company operates a fleet of 728 ships with a combined capacity of 4.6M TEU, representing a 14% share of the global market.

Maersk’s pivot toward LNG-powered tonnage reflects a broader trend across global shipping. According to DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight, 30 alternative-fuelled vessels were ordered in October, of which 26 were LNG-fuelled. So far in 2025, 222 orders for alternative-fuelled vessels have been placed – 67% for LNG-fuelled units, and 65% of all orders have been for container ships.

In October, Maersk also announced a major retrofitting programme aimed at improving the environmental footprint of its active fleet. About 200 time-chartered vessels will undergo upgrades at shipyards as part of the initiative.

Profit guidance raised 

Alongside its fleet expansion plans, Maersk has published its Q3 2025 financial results and raised its full-year earnings forecast.

Revenue reached US$14.2Bn in Q3 2025, down from US$15.8Bn a year earlier, while EBIT declined to US$1.3Bn from US$3.3Bn.

“The new East-West network has strengthened our Ocean performance, delivering industry-leading reliability, higher volumes and lower costs,” said Maersk chief executive Vincent Clerc.

“Terminals achieved another record quarter with strong volume growth, and Logistics & Services continued to enhance profitability,” he added.

Maersk has now raised the lower end of its full-year earnings guidance. Underlying EBITDA is expected between US$9.0-9.5Bn, up from a previous range of US$8.0-9.5Bn, while EBIT is projected at US$3.0-3.5Bn, compared with US$2.0-3.5Bn previously.

The company also revised its estimate for global container market growth to around 4% in 2025 (up from 2%-4%), noting that disruptions in the Red Sea are expected to continue for the remainder of the year.