Alphaliner data shows that the global container ship orderbook has now exceeded 15.12 million TEU, equivalent to 43.9% of the global fleet. Another wave of about 40 large container ship orders is expected to be officially finalized by the end of the year, pushing the total orderbook to nearly 16 million TEU.

One of the most important potential deals is Maersk’s return to the ultra-large container ship segment. Alphaliner says the Danish shipping giant is in exclusive negotiations with Chinese shipyards for 12 24,000 TEU dual-fuel container ships, possibly with options for another 12 vessels, with a total value of about USD 5.76 billion. This series would mark Maersk’s first entry into the 24,000 TEU segment, surpassing the Triple-E design introduced more than a decade ago.

Alphaliner expects fleet capacity to grow by 9.2% in 2027 and by a further 14.4% in 2028. Meanwhile, Alphaliner reports that in its latest count, only 0.8% of the global container fleet is commercially idle, while charter rates have climbed to their highest level in four years.

In short, geopolitical turmoil and the scarcity of immediately available vessels continue to support outstanding container ship charter rates. However, Alphaliner warns that the upcoming delivery wave “will ultimately hit the market.”

Namsung Shipping Orders 2+2 7,100 TEU Container Ships

In addition, South Korea’s Namsung Shipping has recently placed an order at Dalian Shipbuilding for 2+2 7,100 TEU container ships, with delivery expected successively from 2030 to 2031.

Specifically, shipbrokers disclosed that the South Korean liner Namsung Shipping has placed a USD 356 million order at Dalian Shipbuilding for 2+2 7,100 TEU container ships. This is not only its first cooperation with Dalian Shipbuilding but also the largest container ships it has ordered to date.

According to follow-up coverage by ShippingChina, in March this year Namsung Shipping ordered two 4,300 TEU container ships at Huangpu Wenchong.

According to the latest Alphaliner data, among the world’s top 100 liner companies by capacity, Namsung Shipping ranks 42nd globally, operating 31 ships, including 27 owned vessels and 4 chartered vessels, with total capacity reaching 43,084 TEU. In addition, Namsung Shipping also holds newbuilding orders for 4 ships, with total capacity of 12,624 TEU.