- Maersk is assessing bids from both Korean and Chinese shipyards for 12 dual-fuel mega container ships.
- Chinese yards are offering about $20 million lower prices per ship, while Korean yards stress eco-tech and timely delivery.
- Delivery is targeted for 2029 to align with upcoming IMO carbon tax regulations.
Maersk is currently in discussions with leading shipyards in South Korea and China for a $2.8 billion contract to build 12 dual-fuel, 18,000-TEU container vessels, according to a report by Chosun Biz.
The plan involves either eight firm orders with an option for four more or six firm orders with an option for another six, giving Maersk flexibility in meeting its future capacity needs.
Maersk Weighs $2.8B Shipbuilding Bids
Chinese shipyards have presented competitive bids, coming in around $20 million cheaper per vessel compared to their Korean counterparts. However, Korean shipbuilders such as HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Samsung Heavy Industries are positioning themselves as leaders in eco-friendly technology and punctual delivery—key factors as Maersk looks ahead to stricter emissions regulations.
The delivery timeline is set for 2029, coinciding with the International Maritime Organization’s carbon tax framework, which will penalize ships with higher greenhouse gas emissions. Korean yards are seen as having more advanced solutions for compliance, while Chinese yards could face challenges due to their already high capacity utilization rates in the coming years.
Industry forecasts suggest Korean yards will have more available production slots than Chinese competitors by 2028–2029, potentially offering greater flexibility for Maersk. The final decision will likely come down to balancing cost savings with technological capability, environmental compliance, and delivery certainty.
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Source: ChosunBiz
