Based on its current orderbook for newbuildings, Mediterranean Shipping Company is poised to become the world’s first container line to exceed 5 million TEU in capacity, according to Alphaliner which estimates the threshold could be reached by the end of May.
The data firm’s latest analysis noted that in mid-May MSC had a total capacity of 4,956,720 TEU – representing an 18.5% market share. The Swiss-based shipping enterprise is presently taking delivery of its new class of 24,000 plus TEU containerships in addition to a new class of 16,000 TEU Neo Panamax. They are being built in China.
“Unlike most other shipping lines within the top ten, MSC’s sheer scale will allow the carrier to offer attractive port pairs on all key trade lanes without joining another alliance set-up,” Alphaliner commented.
MSC overtook Maersk in 2022 as the container carrier with the largest capacity. Maersk’s capacity today is estimated at 4.1 million TEU. Last January, Maersk and MSC announced they will be winding down their 10-year 2M Alliance, effective in 2025. On some key routes, they have already started to operate independently.
(Photo from Yangzijiang Shipbuilding)
