# Container shipping industry capacity and profit trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/container-shipping-industry-capacity-and-profit-trends > Updated: 2026-10-26T16:53:16.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The container shipping industry has experienced significant financial shifts, with global operating profits reaching a record $208 billion in 2022, a sharp increase from the $37.5 billion earned between 2010 and 2020. This surge was largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed freight rates to unprecedented levels. To capitalize on these trends and maximize efficiency, companies have increasingly adopted ultra-large container vessels. These larger ships provide economies of scale by reducing operating costs per TEU through lower requirements for fuel, crew, and steel. However, maritime consultancy Drewry forecasts a period of overcapacity through 2028. Projections suggest net fleet growth of 8.8% in 2027 and 12.1% in 2028, which is expected to lead to a decline in both spot and contract freight rates. Despite the risk of excess capacity, shipping lines continue to invest in new, efficient vessels to avoid the costs associated with operating an inefficient fleet. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Drewry forecasts container shipping overcapacity through 2028 Drewry predicts inevitable container shipping overcapacity through 2028, with significant fleet growth expected to drive down freight rates by 2027. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/drewry-forecasts-container-shipping-overcapacity-through-2028 ### 2026-09-28: Container shipping industry sees record profits through vessel scaling The container shipping industry saw record profits of $208 billion in 2022, driven by massive vessel scaling and pandemic-era freight rate surges. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/container-shipping-industry-sees-record-profits-through-vessel-scaling --- Cite as: Container shipping industry capacity and profit trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/container-shipping-industry-capacity-and-profit-trends