Shipping lines drive surge in containership orderbooks

The global shipping industry is seeing a significant surge in containership capacity, with the orderbook-to-fleet ratio reaching nearly 42% as companies compete for market share.

MSC is leading this expansion, significantly widening its capacity gap compared to rivals. The company recently increased the specifications of nine vessels currently under construction at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard. Originally designed for 19,000 TEU, these ships will now feature capacities of 21,750 TEU due to increased width, depth, and draft. MSC’s total orderbook now stands at 170 ships.

Taiwan’s Wan Hai Lines has also expanded its fleet through orders at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, including seven 11,000 TEU vessels and one 9,200 TEU vessel scheduled for 2029. These ships are being built with dual-fuel capabilities for methanol and LNG. This expansion supports Wan Hai’s transition from an intra-Asia carrier to a player in mid-to-long-haul markets, including transpacific and Mediterranean services.

Meanwhile, Maersk has indicated it may reconsider its previous fleet growth caps to keep pace with competitors, noting that volume growth has recently outpaced its fleet expansion.