A total of 451 ultra-large containerships (ULCS) are currently operating globally while another 129 are on order for delivery into 2020, according to a report by container sector credit risk analyst DynaLiner.
The report revealed that many of these vessels were born after a recovery in carrier companies’ profits, fuelled by consolidation and the need for new ships to replace aging and less environmentally friendly and economical fleets.
DynaLiner further found that all ULCS larger than 18 000 TEUs — also referred to as megamax ships — invariably operated in the high-density North Europe-Far East trade.
The average capacity of all ships of all sizes currently operating over these trade routes is 15 000 TEUs.
The Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) currently deploys a fleet of 90 ULCS and has the most on order, with 11 ships of 23 350 TEU still to come.
Maersk Line follows in second place with 86 existing vessels and 11 units on order, including six of 20 600 TEUs each.
French shipping line CMA CGM currently deploys 74 ULCS with nine 22 850-TEU ships on its order book.
