The award for most baffling LEGO build of 2026 so far goes to 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel, a maritime model it's hard to imagine anyone was clamouring for.
The LEGO Group has released numerous oceangoing craft over the years, everything from simple sail boats right up to the colossal 10294 Titanic, and even a few recreations of Maersk vehicles going all the way back to 1974. However, with 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel, a huge cargo hauler based on the world’s first large green methanol-enabled ship, one essential question must be asked: just who is this LEGO set aimed at?
40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel
Release: Mar 1, 2026
Retiring: Dec 31, 2026
Price: £139.99 / $149.99 / €149.99
Pieces: 1,516
Minifigures: 0
We’re pretty sure there’s not been that much demand from the LEGO fan community for massive brick-built container ships of late, yet here we are. 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel is a 1,516-piece model that's over 18cm high, 60cm long and 12cm wide when placed on its black display stand, and comes with 22 removable cargo containers.
40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel is really only intended to be a display model to be admired from afar and despite the LEGO Group’s official description of the set, it lacks any real playability. The set is bolstered with a handful of minor functions that are still appreciated, yet it remains a mostly static build once completed.
The LEGO set represents a scaled recreation of the pioneering Ane Maersk, the first of the Danish shipping company’s A class II container vessels which began its maiden voyage in January 2024 and can run on low-emission fuels such as bio- and e-methanol.
Despite its baffling target audience, there’s still plenty to appreciate about the LEGO build, which boasts an eye-catching medium azure and burgundy maritime colour scheme, yet oddly not the same trademark Maersk blue that has appeared in previous such models. (Though medium azure is perhaps closer to the current shade of Maersk ships, to be fair.)
The main hull of the ship comes together quite quickly and you’ll no doubt be pleased with your progress as the set starts to evolve. The stern of 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel features a small version of the craft’s main Hyundai-Man B&W engine, which reflects the real ship’s ability to run on high-octane liquid fuel (no nod to Octan here, folks). This section of the LEGO set includes some subtle parts usage, such as a selection of sand green and silver elements, with the engine visible through transparent window pieces located on the port side of the vessel.
The hull of 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel also boasts two retractable gangways, used for boarding the actual ship, that smoothly slide in and out and can be angled up and down. Both sides of the LEGO model also include a few printed elements, as well as stickered parts to round out its look.
The front of the LEGO craft is its own mini-build, with some interesting techniques employed in order to achieve the curved appearance of its hull, along with a couple of returning bow elements from 10241 Maersk Triple-E that are stacked on top of each other.
There’s also some fun to be had constructing the stern of 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel, a separate section that’s comprised of 10x2 wedges and other burgundy pieces, topped off with a pearl gold propellor piece and a rudder that can both be slightly angled to simulate steering and propulsion.
Where the building process really starts to slow down is when it comes time to make the 22 identical cargo containers that come with the LEGO ship. The assembly process for each is essentially the same, with the completed units slotting neatly on to the deck of the ship in a way that’s reminiscent of plugging in video game cartridges into a retro console, but it’s a tedious process to say the least.
The good news is that 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel only has 14 stickers to be applied to the craft, with all the shipping containers having their own printed side tiles, which really is a blessing when making the build.
The LEGO set does contain one final highlight, with a microscale bridge that can be opened to reveal its detailed content. While there’s no room for a minifigure to be placed inside (although a special captain's torso design will be available from the LEGO Minifigure Factory), you'll discover a stickered map of the world, a printed compass and fried egg in a pan, a small bunk and, yes, a tiny LEGO toilet.
The bow of 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel’s bridge also has its own printed white element, complete with ‘All the way to zero’ tagline, reflecting the company’s drive to lead the charge for sustainable shipping, with more stickers finishing off the craft’s appearance.
Once completed, the LEGO set can be placed on its own custom display stand and is fairly sturdy, but we can’t help wishing for a seascape base to have been included or at the least a version of the more versatile angled stand included with
40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel is topped off with a final annoyance though, as the model’s information plaque lacks any printing, requiring a steady hand to apply one last large sticker. That feels like one compromise too far, especially for a niche LEGO set priced at £139.99 / $149.99 / €149.99.
There’s no denying 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel’s attention to detail and its attempt at being a faithful recreation of the real cargo carrier. While that may sound impressive, it’s hard to see exactly who the target audience for the LEGO set is and why this particular ship might appeal to them.
If anything, 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel feels more like a refresh of 10241 Maersk Line Triple-E, a 1,518-piece build that released in 2015, right down to its colour scheme and grey cargo units.
40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel is neither the biggest, the most detailed or the most exciting oceangoing craft launched to date, with the model’s limited appeal likely to only really pull in a select group of potential LEGO builders.
Our honest opinion: An odd LEGO build to be sure, 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel is a niche model aimed at a very select audience.
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
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How long does it take to build 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel?
It should take you take you around three hours to fully construct 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel, although some of the building stages can be a little tedious.
How many pieces are in 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel?
40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel includes 1,516 pieces, enough to assemble the ship itself, its 22 cargo containers and a black display stand.
Can 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel float on water?
We don’t recommend you try to float 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel in your bathtub, as the LEGO model isn’t designed to be placed in water.
How much does 40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel cost?
40955 Maersk Dual-Fuel Container Vessel is priced at £139.99 in the UK, $149.99 in the US and €149.99 in Europe, with the LEGO set due to set sail on March 1, 2026.
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