Record Container Ship Orders Surge in 2025
In a significant development for the shipping industry, COSCO and Hapag-Lloyd’s recent orders have propelled the total number of containerships ordered in 2025 to an unprecedented 633 vessels, totaling 5.08 million TEU. This figure surpasses the previous record of 4.74 million TEU set in 2021 and the 4.77 million TEU recorded in 2024. The surge in orders highlights a robust demand for container shipping, particularly from Chinese shipyards, which have secured 72% of the orders this year.
Chinese Shipyards Dominate Orders
The ongoing demand for container feeder tonnage at Chinese shipyards shows no signs of abating, according to a recent update from broker Braemar. The only limiting factor appears to be the availability of construction slots at these shipyards. In addition to the record-breaking orders, MPC Container Ships has recently placed an order for six ships, each with a capacity of 3,700 TEU, at Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering. This further emphasizes the growing trend of companies seeking to expand their fleets amid rising global trade.
Major Chinese shipyard to deliver 4 LNG carriers in Oct, setting new record
Filipe Gouveia, the shipping analysis manager at BIMCO, has expressed concerns regarding the implications of such a large orderbook. With the container orderbook-to-fleet ratio now at 33%, he warns of a potential oversupply in the market. Gouveia notes that the container sector may experience the most significant demand reduction if shipping routes return to normal through the Red Sea and Suez Canal. He predicts that for the next five years, supply will likely outstrip demand, raising questions about the sustainability of this rapid expansion in the shipping industry.
