New Maersk Vessel Class To Enter Service

 

A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) has named the first vessel in a series of 17,480 TEU vessels equipped with dual-fuel methanol propulsion. The naming event took place on 18 June at Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) yard in Ulsan, South Korea.

According to a media statement released from Copenhagen, the vessel, Berlin Mærsk, is the 14th dual-fuel newbuild entering the Maersk fleet, and it will be followed by additional five sister vessels in this new class of container ships.

“With the launch of the Berlin Mærsk class, we continue to build an ocean toolkit adaptable to multiple fuel pathways. Fleet renewal is essential for maintaining our competitive edge in ocean shipping, and it serves as a cornerstone of our commitment to decarbonisation,” says Anda Cristescu, Head of Chartering & Newbuilding at Maersk.

On 7 July, Berlin Mærsk will make its first port call in Shanghai, where it will enter service on Maersk’s AE3 service connecting Eastern Asia with Northern Europe.

Familiar design
The vessel's design closely resembles that of the previous Ane Mærsk class, from which Maersk has received a total of 12 dual-fuel vessels, all built by HHI. The only significant difference is the wider beam, which allows Berlin Mærsk to carry more containers. The increased capacity also makes it the largest dual-fuel ship to date to join the Maersk fleet.

“We are happy that we now begin taking delivery of the Berlin Mærsk series. Since our decision to order the first dual-fuel methanol vessel in 2021, we have come a long way with lots of other carriers investing in this propulsion technology as well. Our new Berlin Mærsk class builds on the foundation that we first laid with Laura Mærsk and later the Ane Mærsk class. The Berlin Mærsk class showcases our ongoing efforts in innovation and optimisation, setting a new industry efficiency benchmark," says Ole Graa Jakobsen, Head of Fleet Technology at Maersk. All six vessels in the series are being built by HHI with delivery in 2025. They will sail under the Danish flag. 

A.P. Moller - Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, the company operates in more than 130 countries and employs 100,000 people world-wide. Maersk is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2040 across the entire business with new technologies, new vessels, and alternative fuels. 

Maersk Reports Solid Results in Increasingly Volatile Environment

For the first quarter of 2025 A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S (Maersk) reports revenue growth of 7.8% to USD 13.3bn with EBIT increasing to USD 1.3bn from USD 177m a year ago. These results, while sequentially down as expected, represent a good start to the year and were driven by solid profitability in Ocean, operational improvements in Logistics & Services and higher volumes in Terminals. For the full year 2025, Maersk maintains its financial guidance despite the increased uncertainty leading to a more cautious container volume growth outlook.

“We delivered strong results compared to the same quarter last year, driven by momentum in our operational efficiency and a global economy in good shape for the first three months. With trade tensions flaring up and uncertainty on the rise, global supply chains are once again in the spotlight. We are happy to be able to put the full strength of our product offering at our customers’ disposal. From the most reliable Ocean network to one of the best lead logistics and customs support teams, we are pulling every lever to help them make the best decisions for their business. At the same time, we are doubling down on the work underway on automation and cost management to remain fit for what lies ahead. These efforts give us the confidence to deliver a result in line with our guidance communicated in February,” says Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk.

 

Ocean saw improved profitability compared to the same quarter last year due to higher rates and stable volumes with an EBIT of USD 743m while the sequential decrease was as anticipated. Utilisation remained high and costs were stable due to continued high focus on optimisation. The new East-West network, which was launched in February, is on track to deliver on the reliability ambition and cost efficiencies once fully phased in.

The EBIT margin in Logistics & Services improved compared to the first quarter of last year and reached 4.1% driven by multiple products and the continued focus on costs and productivity. Revenue from freight management services grew 18% compared to the same quarter last year driven by Project Logistics. Ongoing operational improvements in fulfilment services also contributed significantly.

 

Terminals continued its great performance driven by strong volume growth, higher revenue per move and increased storage revenue, while costs were under control through automation and increased capacity utilization. Return on invested capital (ROIC) increased to 14.5%.

Financial guidance

Maersk maintains its full-year 2025 guidance of underlying EBITDA of USD 6-9bn, underlying EBIT of USD 0-3bn and free cash flow of at least negative USD 3.0bn. The global container market volume growth has been revised to -1% to 4% given the increased macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Maersk expects to grow in line with the market. The disruption in the Red Sea is expected to continue throughout the rest of the year.

Source: Official Press Release

Baltic Container Terminal Welcomes New MSC Service

Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation in the Port of Gdynia, Poland, has been integrated into the rotation of Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Britannia Ocean Service.

MSC’s new service made its inaugural call in BCT on April 9, marked by the arrival of the MSC Rose. It offers a direct deep-sea connection between Asia and Northern Europe, covering major commercial ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Vung Tau, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, and Liverpool.

 

“BCT’s inclusion in MSC’s new service strengthens the Port of Gdynia’s role as a deep-water port and highlights our terminal’s modern facilities. We expect the service to increase export transshipment volume and boost intermodal operations,” said Wojciech Szymulewicz, BCT chief executive officer.

 

“With the arrival of this new service, we embrace the opportunity to expand our role in international maritime trade and make the Port of Gdynia more globally competitive,” he added.

 

BCT moved a total of 8,200 TEUs during the call of the 364-meter-long MSC ROSE, which was followed by the call of the 366-meter-long MSC DARIA on April 17. The vessels have capacities of 15,500 TEUs and 15,264 TEUs, respectively. Receiving regular calls from these ultra large container vessels highlights BCT’s capability to handle the largest vessels in existence, underlining the terminal’s strategic importance in the Baltic Sea region.

 

About Baltic Container Terminal Ltd. (BCT)

In May 2003, ICTSI was awarded a 20-year concession by the Port Authority of Gydnia to develop, operate and manage the container terminal in Pomerania, Gydnia, Poland. ICTSI purchased Baltycki Terminal Kontenerowy Sp. z. o. o. (BCT), which had held the lease to the terminal. Poland’s window to the world, BCT is strategically located within pan-European transport corridors and railway routes, and with excellent road and on-dock rail connectivity to inland Europe. (www.bct.gydnia.pl)

 

About International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI)
Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations.  ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects are located in developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa.  Independent with no shipping or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with all stakeholders of the supply chain.  ICTSI continues to receive global acclaim for its public-private partnerships, which are focused on sustainable development, and supported by corporate social responsibility initiatives. (www.ictsi.com) 

Ocean Network Express Welcomes The ONE Responsibility to West Africa

On 23 of January 2025, Ocean Network Express (ONE) celebrated a historic milestone with the arrival of their first magenta ONE vessel, ONE Responsibility, in West Africa. This call at Meridian Port Services (MPS), Tema, marks a significant development for both Ghana’s trade services as well as ONE’s growing connections in  West Africa and globally. 

The 2024-built, Hong Kong flagged ONE Responsibility, is fitted with wind deflecting bow shields to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption, Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) or “scrubbers” and several other energy saving technologies. The 7,000 TEU vessel made its way from Singapore, to Tema, where it will then join the fleet supporting ONE's growing suite of services connecting Europe and Africa, such as the SRX. where it will then join the fleet of Europe and Africa’s growing services such as the SRX. 

This is the first call of ONE’s magenta vessels in West Africa, and future vessels will be introduced onto the SW2 service. The SW2 is a weekly service connecting West Africa with China and the Far East. ONE also operates services including WA1, AIM, and ARS, connecting West Africa to Europe, the Middle East and Asia;  while providing our customers the best transit time from Durban to the Middle East for perishable fresh fruits. 

Director of ONE Ghana, Richard Smith, commented “The maiden call of the ONE Responsibility at MPS is a very significant event.  This is the very first ONE-operated Magenta container vessel to call at any West African port.  It signifies the commitment of ONE to Ghana and to all our customers in West Africa. It is no coincidence that we chose Tema for the first call, given ONE's long standing relationship with Ghana, the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority and with MPS.”

He added, “ONE is currently going through a major upgrade of our services from Asia to West Africa, with increased capacity to carry our customers' cargo to and from this important market.  So, we will be seeing many more Magenta vessels arriving here, but this is the first  - a major milestone in the history of our company in Ghana.”

ICTSI secures 25-year extension to operate Mindanao Container Terminal

Mindanao International Container Terminal Services Inc. (MICTSI), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has secured a 25-year extension to operate and manage the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT).

 

The extension, awarded by the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, allows MICTSI to continue managing the MCT until 2058.

 

Located within the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, the MCT serves as a key gateway for trade in southern Philippines.

 

To enhance the terminal’s capacity and efficiency, MICTSI plans to invest more than US$100 million in infrastructure upgrades. The investment includes a 300-meter berth extension and the acquisition of new equipment to handle the expected growth in cargo volumes. These enhancements are projected to significantly boost the terminal’s annual capacity from its present 350,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). 

 

The new berth will enable the shipping industry to deploy larger ships on new service routes to support growth and demand from Mindanao's importers and exporters. Additionally, the expansion project will further promote PHIVIDEC’s agenda to grow its locator base.

 

“ICTSI is proud to continue our work at Mindanao Container Terminal, a critical hub for trade in southern Philippines,” said Aurelio C. Garcia, MICTSI president and general manager. “This extension allows us to implement our vision for the terminal’s future, with significant investments in new technology and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the region.”

 

PHIVIDEC administrator and CEO Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo said, “Today’s signing ceremony reflects our commitment to growth and sustainability of PHIVIDEC-IA under this administration, and we will continue to grow with our other projects and initiatives that are lined up to benefit not only Northern Mindanao but also the entire country. I would like to thank Mr Aurelio C. Garcia, president and general manager of MICTSI, PHIVIDEC-IA’s chairman Engr. Augustus N. Adis and the members of our Board for their support in making our dream of expanding our MCT Port into a reality.”

 

The extension highlights the strong partnership between ICTSI and PHIVIDEC-IA in developing critical infrastructure to facilitate trade and drive economic growth in Mindanao.