Maersk Line Lays Up Triple-E, Cools Over Option for Eight 14,000 TEU Newbuilds

by Ship & Bunker News Team

Most carrier lines have been trying to avoid idling their larger containerships, according to Alphaliner.

Maersk Line has idled one of its 18,000-TEU Triple-E containerships, a move which underscores the dire conditions of the container shipping industry, Seatrade Maritime reports.

According to Alphaliner, most carrier lines have generally avoided idling their larger ships.

“This Maersk Line vessel is scheduled to remain anchored for six weeks as a result the void sailings programme on the Asia -Europe route," Alphaliner said.

"While carriers normally try to keep their largest ships active, the over-supply conditions in almost all trade sectors have left them with no choice but to idle even their most expensive assets.”

“ The over-supply conditions ... have left them with no choice but to idle even their most expensive assets Alphaliner

Last month Ship & Bunker reported that the number of idle boxships around the world was on the rise, and the number now has reportedly hit a five-year high.

The worsening market means that Maersk Line is also still considering whether to exercise an option to order another eight 14,000-TEU containerships from Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), according to separate reports.

“What I can say is that we have not – at this stage – decided as to whether or not we want the vessels," said Senior Press Officer Michael Christian Storgaard.

The options are part of a previous $1.1 billion order made earlier in July, which included nine ships of the same size from HHI.

Ship & Bunker reported last week that Maersk Line had lowered its profit guidance for the year after reporting that the dismal market had weighed on its finances.