Geneva, Switzerland — Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s most extensive container shipping line, has confirmed a landmark order for six ultra-large container vessels, each with a capacity of 22,000 TEU. The ships will be built by China Merchants Heavy Industry (Haimen), marking another significant step in MSC’s fleet modernization and decarbonization strategy.

Order Details

• Number of Vessels: 6
• Capacity: 22,000 TEU each
• Fuel Type: LNG dual-fuel (with conventional fuel backup)
• Shipyard: China Merchants Heavy Industry (Haimen)
• Contract Value: Approximately $1.2 billion
• Delivery Timeline: Starting in 2027

Strategic Significance

This order underscores MSC’s commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. LNG dual-fuel technology is seen as a transitional solution toward zero-carbon shipping, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% compared to traditional marine fuels. The vessels will also be ammonia-ready, aligning with future International Maritime Organization (IMO) decarbonization targets.

Industry Impact

Adding these megamax ships will strengthen MSC’s position in the ultra-large vessel segment, enabling economies of scale on major trade lanes such as Asia–Europe. Analysts note that this move reflects a broader industry trend: carriers invest heavily in green propulsion systems and larger vessels to meet environmental regulations and growing cargo demand.

Looking Ahead

With deliveries scheduled from 2027, these ships will join MSC’s expanding fleet of LNG-powered vessels, complementing its existing orderbook of next-generation container ships. Despite current market volatility, the investment also signals confidence in long-term container trade growth.