AP Moller-Maersk has confirmed the sale of what was once the world’s biggest container vessel as it manages fleet requirements.

The 9,600-teu Sovereign Maersk (built 1997) has gone to 2M alliance partner MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company for an undisclosed price.

The companies have said the 2M cooperation is ending in 2025. But further sales of older Maersk ships to MSC remain a possibility.

Maersk told TradeWinds that as a global operator of more than 700 vessels, the group is “continuously reviewing the fleet composition to ensure it matches current and future operational requirements, as well as volume requirements”.

“Continued capex discipline remains a key focus area for Maersk,” it said.

In terms of fleet renewal, Maersk has set ambitious net-zero emissions target for 2040 across the entire business.

“This includes a 2030 milestone target of transporting 25% of our ocean volumes on green fuels and a principle of only ordering newbuilt vessels that can be operated on green fuels,” it said.

The Sovereign Maersk is described as “iconic” by consultancy Alphaliner.

The vintage S-class vessel is assessed as worth $36.5m by VesselsValue, up from $18m just two years ago, but down from an astonishing $121m in May 2022 in peak markets.

It will be renamed MSC Domna X.

The number of secondhand vessels bought by MSC since it embarked on a historic buying spree in August 2020 amounts to 271 ships with a total capacity of just over 1m teu, but the pace has slowed in recent months.