- The container ship orderbook has exceeded the 2008 record, reaching over 7.19 Mteu.
- Since mid-2024, nearly 600 newbuildings have been contracted, adding around 2.80 Mteu net capacity.
- The global fleet averages 13.7 years, with mid-sized vessels aging fastest.
- Decarbonization efforts are driving orders for fuel-efficient and alternative-fueled ships, alongside slow steaming strategies.
The global container ship orderbook is nearing a major milestone, with capacity now estimated to be around 10 million TEU. While figures vary slightly depending on how unconfirmed contracts are counted, most assessments place the total between 9.8 and 10.4 million TEU. According to Alphaliner, the current orderbook stands at 9.95 million TEU, close to crossing the 10 million mark, as noted in its recent LinkedIn post.
Expansion of Container Ship Orderbook and Efficiency
The container ship newbuilding pipeline has already surpassed previous records, overtaking the 7.12 Mteu peak set in June 2008. By July 2022, it had risen to 7.19 Mteu, and since mid-2024, nearly 600 additional newbuildings have been contracted by carriers and non-operating owners. After factoring in canceled orders and deliveries that have already entered service, this represents a net addition of about 2.80 Mteu.
The global container fleet today has an average age of 13.7 years, or 11 years when measured by capacity. While the overall fleet is not considered old, certain segments, particularly mid-sized vessels, are seeing accelerated aging. This is driving demand for newer, more efficient ships. With decarbonization now a central priority, operators are turning toward fuel-efficient designs and vessels powered by alternative fuels.
Efficiency improvements are also expected through operational measures. One of the simplest ways to reduce emissions per TEU-mile is by lowering vessel speed. According to Alphaliner, each knot of additional slow steaming raises the overall tonnage demand, a trend carriers are likely to use in meeting environmental targets.
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Source: Alphaliner
