The world’s largest shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is continuing its expansion course with more environmentally friendly ships and has ordered several LNG-capable container ships in China.
According to brokerage firm Alphaliner, MSC has ordered four units, each with a capacity of 22,000 TEU, from the Shanghai Waigaoqiao shipyard. Delivery is scheduled for 2028.
In addition, MSC has taken options for two more 22,000 TEU vessels from Hengli Heavy Industries (HHI). According to Intermodal, the dual-fuel newbuildings will cost around $200 million each and are scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2029.
Another order comprises three firm orders and three optional 21,000 TEU box carriers from China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) in Haimen. The units are to be LNG-ready and cost around USD 210 million per unit, with similar delivery windows.
The newbuilding offensive is taking place despite the sanctions announced by the USA in February against ships built in China. Among other things, these provide for port fees of up to USD 1.5 million per call for Chinese newbuilds or ship operators associated with China.
Four new ULCSs taken over in July
According to a report by Zachariassen, MSC added four new container ships to its fleet in July. With the “MSC Marie Leslie” (16,196 TEU), “MSC Savannah” (16,000 TEU), “MSC America” (15,413 TEU) and “MSC Insa” (11,480 TEU), the Aponte family’s shipping company is further expanding its capacity in the ultra large container ship (ULCS) segment.
New management company and crew recruitment drive
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is strengthening its operational infrastructure in the Far East: The world’s largest liner shipping company has founded its own ship management company in the port city of Ningbo.
The new unit operates under the name MSC Ship Management (Ningbo) and will cover a wide range of services in the areas of technical management, security services, personnel recruitment and sustainable technologies.
The aim is to manage the constantly growing fleet – now numbering almost 1,000 units – more efficiently. As part of this, MSC plans to recruit at least 2,000 Chinese seafarers by 2026. With this step, the company wants to strengthen its local roots and also set the course for further growth in the Asia-Pacific region.
