Maersk Line orders 11 Triple-E ships at DSME for $1.8bn

The second generation Triple-E vessels will have a capacity of 19,630 teu, up from the first generation's capacity of 18,300 teu. The ships will be the largest in Maersk's fleet, but will not hold the crown of the world's largest ship on delivery, as the first generation Triple-E ships did in 2013.

The Danish-flagged ships are due for delivery from April 2017 to May 2018.

The $1.8bn order is part of the $15bn capital expenditure commitment Maersk announced last year, and follows an order earlier this year for seven ice-class container ships at Cosco shipyard.

DSME admitted last month that it was in talks with the Danish line over the order, which was signed at a ceremony in Copenhagen today. The signing comes ahead of the delivery of the final first generation Triple-E vessel from DSME later this month.

“I am very happy with this order. These vessels will help us stay competitive in the Asia – Europe trade and will be key in our strategy to grow with the market. It is the second order this year and we expect to order more vessels, which we can add to our fleet from 2017 and onwards,” commented Maersk coo Søren Toft.