A massive 365,173 teu expansion this year by MSC has cemented the carrier’s position as the biggest container shipping line in the world, widening the gap to the second largest carrier, Maersk.
In its drive to acquire the tonnage it needs to meet the demands of its customers MSC is building a significant fleet of new vessels, 25 newbuilds totaling 316,691 teu in capacity, and a further 48,482 teu in second hand tonnage.
“Its relentless pursuit of capacity has substantially widened the gap with the number two operator, Maersk (4.5 million teu), to almost 2.1 million teu.
To put this into perspective, this gap alone is equal to the entire fleet of ONE (Ocean Network Express) in sixth position,” said Alpha liner.
MSC accounted for 31% of the total fleet growth for the top ten carriers since the beginning of this year, only ONE had a higher percentage growth rate than MSC, at 5.9% compared to the Swiss carrier’s 5.5%, but that increased ONE’s fleet by 122,786 teu, about a third of MSC’s teu growth.
Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, told Sea trade Maritime News: “In our mid-year outlook we encouraged shippers to play the delivery game’.
By that we mean, some carriers with a massive orderbook to deliver in 2025, will also be under pressure to fill those ships.”
Sand said that MSC will face the greatest challenge in this respect – as they take delivery of more than 500,000 teu in 2025.
The analyst also pointed out that MSC can survive a downturn in demand, which is seemingly under way as “there is a limit to how much money you lose, while there no upper limit of how much you can make!” Added Sand.
However, Dynamar data shows that MSC’s past policy to employ older tonnage could yet see a levelling up of the top ten carriers league table.
Dynamar consultant Darron Wadey pointed to a recent survey conducted by the Netherlands based company at the end of last year, which found that around 35- 40% of MSC’s fleet, by number, was at least 20 years old, about a fifth of its capacity.
By comparison Maersk’s share was 15-20% of vessel numbers and 10-15% of capacity, while for the CMA CGM group the numbers were 10-15% of ships and less than 10% of capacity.
“If all three magically scrapped their 20+ year-old ships at that point in time, then MSC would end up with the smallest fleet by number at just over 500, whilst the other two would still be over the 550 mark,” said Wadey.
He added: “So, if (when) markets take a serious dive, MSC has plenty of room to spare regarding a ‘right sizing’ of its fleet quickly and without actually eating into its stock of more modern vessels that have yet to fully pay-off their investments.”
Moreover, Wadey pointed out that about two- thirds of MSC’s biggest ships are chartered so it does not have many large and comparatively new ships on its balance sheet.
“In extremis any chartered-in ship can be returned to their owners early just like carriers did post the global financial crisis of 2008-9, even if such a (desperate) move incurred penalties said Wadey.
The company has been through many cycles in its more than half a century of experience and It is now much more than just a shipping company, with its container logistics and transport company, with offshoots in other sectors too, including terminal operations.
“Given all the above, I think it can survive the next downturn.
If not, then the whole sector is in jeopardy,” concluded Wadey.
In total Alpha liner reported that the first half of 2025 saw the global container fleet grow by 1.18 million teu, a relatively small 3.8% increase since January.
This marks a break from several recent growth-fuelled years.
Yang Ming adjusts services on Transpacific East Coast loops
Yang Ming has announced adjustments to its Transpacific East Coast (EC) services, affecting two of its US East Coast loops – EC2 and EC3.
The changes, which take effect in early August 2025, involve alterations to port calls, including the omission and repositioning of Jacksonville on the respective rotations.
Starting with the YM TOTAL- ITY 0025E/W, expected to call Xiamen on 5 August 2025, the EC2 service will omit Jacksonville until further notice.
The change is part of a route adjustment aimed at streamlining operations.
Current EC2 Rotation: Xiamen – Yantian – Ningbo – Shanghai-Pusan – Manzanillo -Savannah-Charleston-Jackson – ville – Manzanillo- Pusan – Kiamen.
New EC2 Rotation:
Xiamen – Yantian – Ningbo – Shanghai-Pusan – Manzanillo -Savannah-Charleston– Manzanillo- Pusan – Xiamen
The EC3 service will undergo a structural rotation change to call Jacksonville prior to Savannah, starting with the ONE AQUILA 0029E/W, scheduled to arrive at lame Chabang on 2 August 2025.
New EC3 Rotation:
Laem Chabang Cai Mep – Singapore – Colombo – Halifax – New York- Jacksonville- Savannah -Charleston-Norfolk-New York-Halifax-Singapore-Laem Chabang.
These adjustments are part of Yang Ming’s ongoing efforts to optimise its Transpacific network and improve service reliability.
In April, Yang Ming approved an extension of the lease of Terminal No.70 at Kaohsiung Port for another 20 years through its wholly owned subsidiary, Hong Ming Terminal & Stevedoring Corp.
DP World Callao hits record throughput after expansion
DP World’s terminal at the Port of Callao has reported record volumes, including a 19 percent increase in container throughput and a sharp rise in agricultural exports.
Since the expansion was inaugurated in June 2024, the terminal’s operational capacity has grown by 80 percent, handling 1.96 million TEUS that year.
The South Pier now exceeds one kilometre in length, with annual capacity approaching 3 million TEUS.
It can berth three ultra large container vessels (LCVs) simultaneously, enabling greater efficiency and throughput.
Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Peru, Ecuador, and Co lombia, said: “This expansion transformed our ability to connect Peru to the world.
It’s not just about moving more containers it’s about building long-term resilience in our supply chains, attracting next-generation investments, and making Peruvian trade more agile and globally competitive.
DP World has invested over $3 billion in Callao infrastructure since 2010.
DP World Callao is the first port terminal to be licensed under the Peru Brand, recognising its 15-year contribution to national exports and economic development.
The company plans to Continue investing in infrastructure and sustainable logistics.
In March, DP World signed an eight-year agreement with Maersk to enhance marine services at its port in Santos, Brazil.
The agreement includes the launch of new long-term services by Maersk and a commitment to maintain a minimum level of service throughout the contract period.
Greeks top box ship orders as Korean yards top all
GREEK shipowners signed contracts for 73 new vessels in the first half of 2025 – a sharp 58 percent decrease from the 176 ships ordered during the same period last year, reports London’s Riviera Maritime Media.
Containerships were the top choice for Greek owners, with 33 orders placed in H1 2025-up from 17 last year.
Notably, this was the only segment to register year-on- year, growth globally, with 201 orders worldwide compared with 170 in H1 2024.
This downward trend is reflected globally, with total orders falling from 1,169 in HI 2024 to 423 in 2025, a 63 percent drop, said Xclusiv Shipbrokers research analyst Eirini Diamantara.
South Korean shipbuilders remain the preferred choice for Greek owners, a trend partly driven by market uncertainty stemming from a proposed US port fee.
South Korea now accounts for nearly 65 percent of Greek orders, while China share has declined to 30 percent, and Japan holds six percent.
The shift is particularly stark across vessel segments.
In the tanker sector, South Korea commands a 72 percent share of Greek orders this year, up from just 16 percent in 2024.
China, by contrast, has fallen to 28 percent from 78 percent.
In container vessels, South Korea rose from zero percent to 61 percent, while China’s share plummeted from 100 percent to 39 percent.
The bulk carrier segment tells a similar story.
Japan has emerged as the dominant supplier, securing 100 percent of Greek orders in HI 2025-up from 23 percent last year while China, which held a 77 percent share in 2024, has been entirely excluded.
China has also been edged Out of gas carrier market, South Korea leads with an 80 percent share, followed by Japan at 20 percent.
In H1 2024, South Korea held 69 percent, with China at 17 percent and Japan at 14 percent,
Ms Diamantara noted uptick reflects a strategic push toward fleet modernisation and environmental compliance.
The container segment is a frontrunner in adopting alternative fuels, aided by its predictable trade routes.
“Shipowners are phasing out older tonnage in favor of newbuilding’s equipped with dual– fuel engines, alternative propulsion technologies, and enhanced energy efficiency,” she said.
This trend aligns with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and growing pressure from cargo owners to decarbonize supply chains.
OVL Container launches partnership to boost freight margins
Finnish container leasing specialist OVL Container has unveiled a new initiative, ‘OVL Partner, which aims to transform the freight and shipping sector through a unique partnership scheme.
OVL Container claims the scheme could deliver cost savings of up to 25 percent per freight, significantly increase profit margins for freight forwarders, and offer lower fees for end customers.
According to OVL Container’s Managing Director, Osmo Lahtinen, the scheme is designed to address key industry concerns.
Combating costs and optimising margins are at the centre of OVL partnership because these issues are what freight forwarders are the most concerned about.
“They usually work with small Margins in their daily trade, but as part of this partnership scheme the loyalty and volume-related benefits included, as well as the inherment mutual business understanding over time, mean that forwarders could triple their profit margins.”
The OVL Partner scheme lever company’s expertise in one-way container leasing, a model that differs from traditional container shipping by eliminating the need for trans-loading and reducing blank sailings.
This approach, OVL Container asserts, can cut operational costs for ocean freight forwarders by around a quarter.
Lahtinen emphasised the broader industry significance of the scheme, stating: “One-way leasing is vastly different from conventional container shipping.
We are among a few one-way leasing specialists who are challenging industry conventions and embodying industry ‘next practice’ “A part of defining what is next is embracing new business mod- out that els.
Furthermore, we wanted to be the first to introduce this mutually beneficial partnership approach; it just makes sense.
And it even allows for lower fees for the end user.
So, it is a win-win-win for everyone involved.
Industry observers such as Morgan Stanley and the World Economic Forum have noted that the global supply chain is typically slow to adopt new models, but innovations like OVL Partner signal a shift towards more agile and collaborative business practices.
Can technology ease the chaos in logistics, without leaving people behind? In this insightful article, Sijia Chen of OVL Container explores how people-centric digital tools like Al and automation can simplify supply chain complexities while supporting the humans at the heart of it all.
A must-read for anyone navigating the future of logistics!
Chile launches Latin America's first electric tugboat
SAAM and Enap have marked a significant milestone in maritime sustainability with the christening of Trapananda, Latin America’s first electric tugboat.
The electric tugboat, now operating in Puerto Chacabuco in Chile’s Aysén Region, represents a major step forward in the decarbonisation of the region’s port sector.
The Trapananda stands out for its zero direct CO2 emissions and its ability to reduce underwater noise, helping to protect marine life and actively contributing
to a cleaner port environment.
The tug measures 25 metres in length, has a 13-metre beam, and delivers 70 tonnes of bollard pull.
It is powered by two 2,100-kW electric azimuth thrusters and a 3,616-kWh lithium-ion battery, with a design optimised for energy efficiency and a projected battery life of ten years.
The tug will support ship berthing and unberthing operations at one of the world’s southernmost terminals.
SAAM CEO Macario Valdés said: “The arrival of the Trapananda marks a before and after for our industry.
We are moving decidedly toward cleaner, more efficient and environmentally friendly operations.
“This project is a vision for the future: we are developing solutions that not only tow and assist ships, but also mobilise a shift towards a truly sustainable logistics chain.
On this path, we have found in Enap a partner with a shared vision.”
The vessel, operated by a locally trained SAAM team, joins two electric tugboats already in service with the company in Canada.
Its christening ceremony at the Empormontt Passenger Terminal brought together local officials, company executives, and members of the maritime community, underlining the significance of this achievement.
Trapananda is named in honour of the ancient name for Chilean Patagonia.
This landmark for Chile and Latin America comes as ports around the world accelerate their own sustainability efforts.
South Ko nearly 65 percent while China’s s to 30 per cent, a per cent.
Its christening ceremony at the Empormontt Passenger Terminal brought together local officials, company executives, and members of the maritime community, under- lining the significance of this achievement.
The shift across vessel tanker sector mands a 72 p orders this
Trapananda is named in honour of the ancient name for Chilean Patagonia.
This landmark for Chile and Latin America comes as ports around the world accelerate their own sustainability efforts.
Most recently, China officially commissioned its first hydrogen-electric tugboat at Qingdao Port, marking a significant step in maritime decarbonisation and the advancement of zero-emission port operations.
The vessel, named Hydrogen-Electric Tug No.1 or Qing abo Dian Tuo 1, began operations on 26 June 2025, following its construction by Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard and development by the Liangang Innovation Team at Shandong Port Qingdao Port Group Co., Ltd.
Port of Gdansk, DORACO ink deal to reconstruct Wislane Quay
The Port of Gdansk and Korporacja Budowlana DORACO have signed an agreement for the execution of one of the key investments in the Inner Port- the comprehensive reconstruction of Wislane Quay.
The total cost of the investment is PLN 351 million ($96.4 million) gross, and the work is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2028.
The agreement was signed by representatives of the Management Board of the Port of Gdansk – the President, Dorota Pyc, and the Vice-President for Finance and Security, Alan Aleksandrowicz, as well as representatives of DORACO- the President of the Management Board Angelika Cieslawska and the Vice-President of the Management Board Jacek Kaminski.
The project aims to increase the port’s cargo handling capacity, improve the safety of its users and upgrade the power, rail and road infrastructure.
This is going to enable the Inner Port to handle modern ships with a deadweight of up to 100,000 tonnes and a maximum draught of 10.6 metres.
“Investments of this type are very much needed and justified, and as the government, we shall support all kinds of initiatives that increase this potential of Polish seaports,” said Arkadiusz Marchewka, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, who was present at the meeting.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed for the contractors and I hope that in a few months we will be able to see the results of the work, so that the Port of Gdansk can record even higher cargo handling volumes.
“We have data for the first half of the year it looks good, and the container figures are even better, so I am convinced that this type of investment will allow us to increase this potential even further.”
“We are building the resilience of the Port of Gdansk through investments.
This is our response to the dynamic economic environment, the changing needs of our partners and the need to adapt to the requirements of modern logistics,” said Dorota Pyc, President of the Port of Gdansk.
“The upgrade of Wislane Quay is an example of an investment that fingers not only increases the cargo handling efficiency and logistical efficiency of port operations, but also prepares our infrastructure for the use of green technologies.
This is a strategic direction that strengthens our position as modern transport hub in the Baltic Sea as well as Central and Eastern Europe.”