Maersk in discussion on 20,000 teu vessels

Maersk Line is understood to be in discussion with Asian shipbuilders for up to ten 20,000 teu ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) at a cost of around US$1.5bn, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal.

Although the shipping company declined to comment, the move comes as no surprise in the industry following the announcements by other major shipping lines looking to upgrade and increase their fleets with vessels up to a similar size.

In addition last month (January), Maersk’s 2M partner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), entered a long-term charter agreement for the first of three 19,224 teu vessels.  Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) also announced it was to look at ships of 20,000 teu.