Record-breaking orders for container ships, exceeding 13 million TEUs

By Naucher

 

Global orders for new container ships have reached a record high, exceeding 13 million TEUs, a figure that confirms the intense pace of investment by shipping companies amidst the ongoing transformation of maritime transport. This is according to a recent analysis by the consultancy firm Linerlytica. This growth reflects both the need to modernize fleets and the incorporation of more efficient vessels adapted to new environmental regulations.

According to the consultancy, the increase in orders is occurring within a context of international trade reorganization and adjustments to logistics chains following several years of volatility. However, the high volume of new deliveries expected is generating uncertainty in the sector due to the risk of an imbalance between supply and demand that could put pressure on prices and company profitability.

Growth in port traffic

According to Linerlytica’s own statistics, container traffic at major global ports grew by 4% during the first quarter of 2026, consolidating the recovery of international maritime trade after several years marked by volatility and logistical challenges. This progress reflects increased activity on global routes and a gradual stabilization of supply chains, driven by the recovery in demand and the reorganization of trade flows.

Major port hubs are thus maintaining positive growth in cargo movement, supported by the dynamism of foreign trade and the sector’s operational adaptation to an environment still influenced by geopolitical and economic factors. Despite this growth, certain challenges remain related to capacity, congestion on strategic routes, and uncertainty about the evolution of global trade in the coming months.

MSC surpasses 1,000 container ships in its fleet

MSC, the world’s largest shipping company, recently became the first shipping company to reach a global fleet of 1,000 container ships, according to data compiled by the Alphaliner website. This figure refers to container ships and multipurpose container-compatible vessels that MSC operates on regular liner services.

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