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Maersk Poised to Double Orderbook With 40-Ship Newbuild Program

Maersk is preparing to place a substantial newbuilding order that could double its vessel pipeline, according to industry sources. The Danish carrier is negotiating orders for approximately 40 ships across multiple size classes: 24,000 teu, 19,000 teu, and 18,600 teu vessels, with deliveries expected from late 2029 onward. Unconfirmed reports indicate orders for twelve 24,000 teu ships at Jiangsu Yangzijiang, twelve 19,000 teu units at Hengli HI, and six 18,600 teu ships at New Times. The newbuild push follows intensive chartered vessel activity as Maersk addresses tonnage shortages from limited near-term deliveries. If confirmed, Maersk's orderbook would expand to approximately 1.5 million teu, representing 32 percent of its existing fleet, up from 870,000 teu in August.