MSC returns to megaship ordering with up to 20 new giants
The world's largest containerline is understood to have ordered up to 20 20,000 teu LNG dual-fuel ships at China's Hengli.
Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) has returned to the newbuilding market in a big way, with the world's largest containerline understood to have placed an order for up to 20 ultra-large containerships at China's Hengli Heavy Industry.
According to MB Shipbrokers, the Geneva-headquartered liner operator has signed for a series of 20,000 teu LNG dual-fuel vessels comprising a firm order with options that could take the total to as many as 20 ships. If confirmed, it would represent MSC's first major newbuilding order of the year and one of the largest containership contracts placed in 2026.
The vessels are expected to be delivered from the first half of 2029 onwards, extending MSC's already substantial orderbook at Hengli, one of China's fastest-growing shipbuilders. Neither MSC nor Hengli has publicly confirmed the order.
