Maersk has signed a newbuilding contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering for the construction of 11 x 19,630-TEU vessels, with options to order a further six of the so-called second generation Triple-E vessels.

The 11 firm orders are scheduled to be delivered from April 2017 through May 2018. Total reported price of the new vessels is US$1.8 billion, equating to just over US$163 million per vessel.

All 11 will sail under the Danish flag, and are headed for the Asia/Europe trade, where they will be deployed as replacements for existing vessels.

The vessels will be the largest containerships in the world when completed and will have an overall length of 400 metres, a width of 58.6 metres and a depth of 16.5 metres.

The placement of the latest newbuilding order coincides with the delivery of the last of 20 x 18,000-TEU first-generation Triple-E vessels, all of which are deployed on the Asia/North Europe trade.

Importantly, Maersk’s 2M Alliance partner Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) has confirmed it is close to firming up an order for 4 x 20,000-TEU vessels with Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The MSC vessels are also expected to be delivered in 2017; the cost is being put around US$155 million per vessel.

Sources indicate that the Maersk firm orders will provide an upgrade for one Asia/Europe string. Assuming the options for the further six Maersk vessels are firmed up, they will make for a joint service upgrade with the planned MSC orders.

By Paul Richardson

Sea Freight Correspondent | London