Linerlytica has released data showing that additional global box capability of 277 873 TEU had been reached in June, establishing a new record for the highest level of new vessel capacity delivered in a single month.
The containerisation intelligence platform cautioned that the total number of new ships delivered in the first six months of the year has now reached 148 units, accounting for 975 344 TEU.
Also, there are still over 1.2 million TEU due in the second half of the year, even after accounting for potential delivery delays.
Predictions indicate that full-year deliveries in 2023 will amount to 2.2 million TEU, surpassing the previous annual delivery record of 1.7 million TEU set in 2015.
This record-breaking level of box ship deliveries is expected to be immediately surpassed in 2024, with Alphaliner forecasting the entry into service of an additional 391 ships, boasting an approximate capacity of 3 million TEU.
In contrast, Linerlytica reports that only 47 ships, amounting to 84 685 TEU, were sent for demolition in the first half of this year. This pace of capacity deletion falls considerably short of the record high of 695 850 TEU removed in 2016.
Over the past three years, container shipping has witnessed an unprecedented surge in orders for box ships, resulting in the current order book standing at approximately eight million TEU.
Data from Clarksons Research reveals that by the end of 2025, the global box fleet is projected to reach 30 million TEU, representing a 15% increase over current levels. The milestone of 20 million TEU was achieved in 2017.
A recent container shipping report from Dutch bank ING has issued a warning, saying that "the tide is turning for container shipping.
“The market is preparing for a substantial influx of new capacity amidst declining demand and resolved congestion.
“This underscores the importance of capacity discipline for container liners. However, achieving this discipline will not be easy due to escalating competitive pressure following years of record profits." SOURCE: Splash 247
