MSC’s combined operated fleet and firm orderbook has reached about 10.47 million TEU, marking another major expansion milestone for the world’s largest container shipping line, according to Alphaliner data.
MSC currently operates around 7.4 million TEU of container capacity, representing approximately 21.5% of global liner capacity. Its newbuilding orderbook has grown to about 2.94 million TEU.
The latest increase follows MSC’s addition of six 21,700-TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships to its newbuilding programme at China’s Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard. The vessels add a combined 130,200 TEU to the orderbook.
The additional orders expand MSC’s series of 21,700-TEU ships at the Chinese yard from 24 to 30 vessels. Deliveries of the latest six ships are scheduled to begin in June 2029, with the broader programme extending into 2030.
The vessels are designed at 366 metres long and 61.3 metres wide, with a design speed of 19 knots. The multi-fuel-ready design can accommodate LNG propulsion and alternative configurations, including ammonia.
MSC’s rapid expansion has been driven by a combination of newbuilding orders and second-hand vessel acquisitions. Its operated fleet has grown substantially since 2020, while the carrier has continued securing new construction capacity at Chinese shipyards.
The combined 10.47 million TEU figure is particularly notable because it is roughly equivalent to the capacity of the entire global liner fleet in 2007, highlighting the scale of MSC’s expansion over the past two decades.
The growing orderbook is expected to give MSC additional capacity for network expansion and fleet renewal as the new vessels enter service over the coming years.