Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container line, has once again expanded its orderbook with a substantial investment in new containerships from Chinese shipyards. As the Swiss-Italian giant widens the gap over its competitors, it continues to prioritise decarbonisation and supply chain resilience.

According to Clarksons’ data, MSC has placed orders for six 19,000 TEU vessels at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) and eight 11,500 TEU vessels at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry (Jinglu). All 14 ships will be dual-fuelled, capable of running on LNG, reflecting MSC’s strategy to balance growth with environmental responsibility. Notably, this is Jinglu’s first foray into constructing large boxships, having primarily built feeder vessels. The commission includes options for an additional four vessels, showcasing MSC’s long-term confidence in market growth.

This fresh wave of orders follows the recent announcement by Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, revealing MSC’s order for 12 19,000 TEU LNG dual-fuelled vessels. These are in addition to earlier commitments for ten 11,500 TEU and ten 10,300 TEU ships. Deliveries for all these vessels are expected between 2027 and 2028. While the exact costs remain undisclosed, VesselsValue estimates that a 17,000 TEU LNG-powered ship is priced at around $205 million. With MSC’s ongoing investment spree, the total expenditure could exceed $6 billion.

This marks the first time in nearly a decade that SWS has secured orders for ultra-large vessels, with their last deal involving 20,000 TEU ships for Cosco in 2015. The new orders are part of a broader trend, as evidenced by reports earlier this month that MSC was eyeing an order for ten 21,000 TEU ships at China’s Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry—another shipbuilder making its debut in the large container segment.

Currently, MSC’s operational fleet capacity exceeds six million TEU, including 3.07 million TEU on owned ships. The carrier’s orderbook now stands at 1.64 million TEU. In contrast, its closest competitors, Maersk Line and CMA CGM, operate fleets of 4.35 million TEU and 3.8 million TEU respectively. While CMA CGM has also been aggressively expanding, with an orderbook of 1.12 million TEU, MSC remains far ahead in the race for global dominance.

The surge in newbuildings comes despite global shipping turbulence, with the Red Sea crisis adding to market uncertainties. However, Clarksons noted that even as new boxship deliveries hit record levels, all the new capacity is being fully absorbed, highlighting the robustness of demand despite a volatile economic environment. The global containership fleet grew 5.7% in the first half of this year and is projected to grow by 10% overall in 2024, with deliveries hitting an all-time high of 2.9 million TEU.

A critical aspect of this expansion is the focus on decarbonisation. With shipowners exploring alternative fuels to align with stricter environmental regulations, MSC’s shift towards LNG reflects a pragmatic choice. LNG not only has a proven supply base but also positions carriers to meet near-term carbon targets while maintaining operational flexibility.

Leveraging Technology for Smarter Decision-Making in Supply Chains

As MSC ramps up capacity and prioritises sustainability, the need for real-time visibility in supply chains becomes more crucial than ever. Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) must adapt to a rapidly evolving market where decisions hinge on accurate and timely data. Supply chain visibility software that provides real-time insights into vessel movements, port congestion, and carbon footprints will be critical in enabling these stakeholders to make informed, business-critical decisions.

With rising complexities in global logistics and an increasing focus on sustainability, advanced software solutions can help companies navigate potential disruptions, optimise routes, and better manage inventory flow. Integrating this level of visibility will be key in counteracting the impacts of growing capacity and shifting market dynamics, ensuring that BCOs and LSPs remain agile and competitive.

MSC’s massive investment in new, eco-friendly vessels isn’t just about fleet expansion—it’s about setting a benchmark for the future of shipping. However, to fully capitalise on this growth, stakeholders across the supply chain must embrace technological advancements that offer the real-time insights needed to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.