MSC has officially crossed the 7-million-TEU threshold, becoming the first carrier ever to reach this level of operated capacity. The milestone was achieved following the near-simultaneous delivery of two 16,000-TEU ‘Neo-Panamax’ vessels, the MSC SALERNO from DSIC and MSC GRACE from YZJ, which lifted the line above the 7 Mteu mark.
The world’s largest carrier has expanded its operated capacity from six to seven million TEU in only 15 months — an extraordinary pace, supported primarily by newbuildings. Approximately 799,000 TEU of capacity came from 68 new vessels delivered during this period.
While MSC did not receive any additional Megamax vessels after surpassing 6 million TEU, it did phase in a large series of 33 ‘NPX’ class ships in the 14,000–16,000 TEU range.
Chartering activity also played a role. MSC fixed more than 50 ships on charter over the past 15 months, although many of these were extension deals and therefore capacity-neutral. Around 25 ships sized at roughly 135,000 TEU joined the fleet from fresh charter agreements, with only minimal chartered tonnage returning to owners.
MSC’s fleet growth has also been supported by secondhand purchases. Over 250,000 TEU of capacity acquired through sales to MSC or related entities in the past 15 months originated from vessels that previously operated for the carrier under charter. As a result, the buying spree translated only partially into net capacity expansion.
Source: Alphaliner
