COPENHAGEN, Sept. 19 -- Danish global shipping giant Maersk said yesterday it had ordered 26 large container vessels as part of an ongoing fleet renewal.

The vessels are expected to be delivered in 2029 and 2030, the company told AFP in an email.

Maersk, the world's second-biggest container shipping group, did not disclose which shipyards would build the vessels, nor the value of the contracts.

"The vessels will have a capacity of 18,600 TEU (20 foot equivalent unit) and will be equipped with dual-fuel engines able to operate on liquified gas," the company said.

In mid-August, Maersk raised its full-year earnings guidance as it reported a doubling of profits in the second quarter, driven by strong demand in Asia in particular.

Its pr...