According to Splash 247, new orders from COSCO and Hapag-Lloyd have pushed 2025 containership orders to an unprecedented total of 633 vessels, representing 5.08 million TEU. This surpasses the previous records of 4.74 million TEU in 2021 and 4.77 million TEU in 2024, according to Linerlytica data.
Chinese shipyards have dominated the market, accounting for 72% of orders in TEU terms so far this year. Broker Braemar highlighted in its latest container markets update that demand for feeder tonnage at Chinese yards remains strong, with the main limitation being available construction slots.
Adding to the record figures, MPC Container Ships has reportedly placed an order for six 3,700 TEU vessels at Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering.
Filipe Gouveia, BIMCO shipping analysis manager, noted that the container orderbook-to-fleet ratio has now reached 33%, raising concerns about a significant upcoming tonnage overhang. He warned that the container sector could face supply outpacing demand over the next five years, particularly if ships resume normal Red Sea and Suez Canal operations.
