Maersk transforms 8,700-TEUers into 10,000-TEUers by stacking them higher

DANISH shipping giant, Maersk Line is increasing the size of individual ships from 8,600 TEU to 10,000 TEU by raising the wheelhouse and adding another layer of containers on deck.

This process has been started on Maersk`s 16 S class ships, reports London`s Containerisation International. Raising the bridge allows another tier of boxes, thus increasing capacity.


The reconstruction work has already started at Bei Hai shipyard in Qingdao, and is expected to be done by October next year with the company expecting to increase fleet capacity by 52,000 TEU.


"We will both lower the slot costs on these vessels and reduce the CO2 emissions per container moved, meaning we`ll be able to be more competitive and with a lower environmental impact true undisputed leadership," said Abhijat Chahal, of Maersk Line Vessel Management.


No mention was made in the CI report about the impact on seaworthiness. The initiative recalls the famous ill-fated Vasa, a Swedish warship of 1628 built top-heavy with little ballast. It foundered and sank less than a nautical mile on its maiden voyage. The Vasa represented Sweden`s "great power period".