MSC in for more Hengli megamaxes
MSC Expands Fleet with New LNG Megamax Orders
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), led by Gianluigi Aponte, has announced a significant expansion of its fleet by placing an order for six new LNG dual-fuel megamax containerships. The order comes from Hengli Heavy Industry, located in China, and represents the latest development in MSC’s ongoing growth strategy. This new series of vessels will add substantial capacity to MSC’s already impressive fleet, which currently includes around 6.51 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).
Strategic Cooperation and Fleet Expansion
MSC’s partnership with Hengli Heavy Industry is part of a broader strategic cooperation established last year. This agreement has already resulted in the construction of 20 ships, comprising two series of ten vessels each, with capacities of 21,000 TEU and 24,000 TEU. The cost for these ships is estimated at approximately $215 million for the 21,000 TEU vessels and $230 million for the larger ones. While specific financial details and delivery timelines for the latest 22,000 TEU newbuilds remain undisclosed, the addition of these ships represents a crucial step in MSC’s quest to enhance its fleet.
As the world’s largest container carrier, MSC commands roughly 20% of the global operated fleet. With more than 130 ships currently on order, the company is set to increase its fleet capacity by over 2 million TEU in the coming years. Earlier this year, MSC also placed orders for four 21,700 TEU vessels with Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, with options for additional ships, indicating the company’s aggressive approach to growth in the competitive shipping industry. Deliveries for these new vessels are scheduled for 2027 and 2028, further solidifying MSC’s position in the market.
