Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced new orders for 10 ultra-large container vessels, further expanding its extensive shipbuilding pipeline, which now surpasses the fleet capacity of Ocean Network Express, the world’s sixth-largest liner operator. The orders reinforce MSC’s commitment to increasing its global shipping capacity.

MSC has secured options for two 22,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) LNG dual-fuel vessels at Hengli Heavy števil

System: Heavy Industry in Dalian, with delivery expected in 2029. Additionally, the company has signed a contract for two 21,700 TEU LNG-ready ships at Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard, also slated for completion in 2029.

In a separate agreement, MSC has ordered three firm and three optional 21,000 TEU LNG-capable vessels from China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) Jiangsu, with the first three scheduled for delivery in 2028. Industry estimates suggest each ship may cost around $200 million, reflecting the advanced LNG-ready technology.

These orders add to MSC’s substantial newbuilding portfolio, which includes approximately 130 vessels totaling nearly 2.2 million TEU in capacity. The company’s existing fleet is approaching 7 million TEU, marking a significant milestone in its growth. The new vessels highlight MSC’s strategic focus on LNG as a sustainable fuel option for the future.

The deals demonstrate MSC’s ongoing investment in expanding and modernizing its fleet to meet global shipping demands. The use of LNG-capable technology aligns with industry trends toward more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives, supporting cleaner maritime operations.