Container ships of up to 27,500 TEU could become commercially viable in the 2030s as carriers face rising fuel costs and carbon-related expenses, according to Alphaliner.
The consultancy has revived its “Gigamax” concept for a new generation of ultra-large containerships. The proposed vessels would be about 414 metres long and 63.3 metres wide, compared with roughly 400 metres by 61 metres for today’s largest 24,000-TEU class.
The current capacity record is held by MV MSC Irina, which can carry 24,346 TEU. Alphaliner believes improvements in ship design could allow future vessels to carry more than 27,000 TEU without a proportionate increase in dimensions.
The new ships could enter major East-West trades from around 2030. Alphaliner expects higher fuel prices and carbon-emissions taxes to strengthen the case for larger vessels, particularly where carriers can maximise utilisation on long-haul routes.
The consultancy estimates that a highly optimised LNG dual-fuel Gigamax operating at up to 18 knots could consume only marginally more fuel than an older 20,500-TEU ship while carrying around 7,000 additional TEU.
Port infrastructure would be a key constraint. A 25-row-wide vessel would require sufficient crane outreach, while its larger cargo exchanges could increase pressure on terminal yards and landside logistics. However, Alphaliner believes selected major hubs could accommodate the ships through targeted upgrades rather than complete infrastructure reconstruction.
The timing could also favour new orders. The first generation of 400-metre container ships may begin leaving the fleet during the first half of the 2030s, creating a replacement opportunity for the proposed class.
Alphaliner also sees potential for a first-mover advantage. Fleet structures, orderbooks and alliance networks could give one major carrier stronger reasons to adopt the new design before its competitors.
