Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 6, A.P. Moller – Maersk, the Danish shipping and logistics company, has commissioned a minimum of eight dual-fuel container ships capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) from New Times Shipbuilding (NTS) in China.

Details from Greek shipbroker Intermodal reveal that the contract includes options for four more vessels. Each 18,000 TEU containership carries a price tag of $193 million.

The LNG-powered ships are scheduled for delivery to Maersk in 2028 and 2029 once construction concludes.

Equipped with dual-fuel systems, these vessels can significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions along with other pollutants. They form a key component in Maersk’s plan to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2040.

A May 2025 study by the SEA-LNG coalition found that LNG dual-fuel ships provide owners with operational flexibility, shorter investment recovery periods, and access to mature infrastructure compared to alternatives such as methanol, ammonia, or very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).

Headquartered in Copenhagen, Maersk continues to advance its environmental objectives through diverse fuel strategies. The company expects to receive ten 17,000 TEU LNG vessels ordered in November 2024 from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding in China, with arrivals set between 2027 and 2029.

New Times Shipbuilding, a prominent player in global ship construction, has secured several contracts recently. In November 2024, German operator Hapag-Lloyd awarded NTS an order for twelve 9,200 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships, with handovers planned from 2027 to 2029.

Earlier, in April 2025, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and NTS celebrated the naming of three vessels with identical LNG capabilities.

This order reflects Maersk’s ongoing commitment to fleet renewal using cleaner propulsion technologies. LNG serves as a transitional fuel, enabling immediate emission reductions while infrastructure for zero-carbon solutions develops. The dual-fuel design allows seamless switching between LNG and conventional marine fuels, ensuring operational reliability across trade lanes.

NTS demonstrates consistent delivery capability, maintaining schedules amid rising demand for sustainable tonnage. The shipyard’s recent projects span multiple international clients, underscoring its role in supporting the maritime sector’s energy transition.

Maersk’s investment aligns with industry-wide efforts to meet International Maritime Organization targets for greenhouse gas reduction. By 2030, the company aims for a 50% cut in CO2 per container moved compared to 2008 levels. The new vessels will contribute directly to this goal through enhanced fuel efficiency and lower sulfur output.

Collaboration between global operators and Chinese shipbuilders highlights the integrated nature of modern ship construction. Advanced facilities at NTS incorporate digital design tools and modular assembly techniques, improving build quality and shortening construction cycles.

Looking ahead, Maersk continues evaluating additional green fuel pathways, including bio-LNG and e-methanol, to complement its LNG fleet. The current order strengthens supply chain resilience while advancing environmental performance. As regulatory frameworks evolve, vessels with proven emission profiles gain preference in port access and financing.

The partnership between Maersk and NTS exemplifies practical progress in maritime decarbonization. Through strategic vessel acquisitions and fuel diversification, the industry moves steadily toward sustainable operations, balancing commercial viability with ecological responsibility. These developments benefit global trade by ensuring efficient, lower-impact container transport for years to come.