Evergreen Marine Corp. is investing up to $3.25 billion to expand its fleet with 11 new series of mega-size liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container ships.
The Taiwan-listed carrier announced on February 12 that it had commissioned two shipyards to build 11 LNG dual-fuel 24,000-TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) vessels.
South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean will construct six ships, while China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) will build five.
The total cost for the Hanwha Ocean order ranges between $1.59 billion and $1.77 billion, while the GSI order is valued between $1.325 billion and $1.475 billion. Each vessel is priced between $265 million and $295 million.
The company initially considered methanol dual-fuel technology. However, in January, Evergreen opted for LNG instead, citing difficulties in securing green methanol supply and high fuel costs.
The move aligns with a broader industry trend, as other major shipping players like AP Moller-Maersk have also embraced LNG-powered vessels. Evergreen did not disclose the exact delivery dates for the ships.
Evergreen is a member of the Ocean Alliance alongside Cosco Shipping Lines, Orient Overseas Container Line, and CMA CGM.
Evergreen’s latest order brings its total orderbook to 821,423 TEU, making it the fifth-largest among global carriers, trailing MSC, CMA CGM, Cosco, and Maersk. The company’s orderbook now represents 46% of its active fleet, underscoring its aggressive expansion strategy. The newly commissioned vessels will join a dozen existing 24,000-TEU ships already in Evergreen’s fleet.
Evergreen currently operates 23 conventionally powered “megamax” vessels, with an additional unit slated for delivery next year.
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