The container ship newbuilding market is booming, with orders for vessels from 1,800 TEU to 22,000 TEU, primarily set for delivery by 2028.
The container ship newbuilding market has seen a surge in orders spanning vessel capacities from 1,800 TEU to 22,000 TEU, with deliveries largely focused around 2028.
Recent data from DynaLiners reveals a broad buyer profile, including major liner operators, experienced shipowners, and first-time entrants in container shipping. This wave of investment reflects a deliberate effort to expand capacity across the market, with orders covering feeder ships, mid-size tonnage, and ultra-large container vessels.
Key players continue to commit to ultra-large vessels. Peter Dohle has expanded its newbuilding program at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding to six units of 14,000 TEU container ships, with the latest two scheduled for delivery in 2028. These vessels, designed with methanol and ammonia fuel-ready systems and energy-efficient technologies, underline Dohle's focus on operational sustainability. Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy Industries secured an order for two 13,000 TEU vessels worth USD 323 million, although the buyer remains undisclosed.
In the mid-size segment, Greek owner Thenamaris placed an order for four 3,200 TEU container ships under its ConBulk brand, marking a significant investment in its container fleet. Turkish shipowner Bayraktar Shipping has also committed to two 1,800 TEU vessels, with options for two more, targeting deliveries between 2028 and 2029. Additionally, new entrant Xiamen Xinliancheng Shipping Co., Ltd. ordered a 2,000 TEU container ship for delivery in mid-2027, highlighting increasing participation from new players in the sector.
COSCO Shipping Holdings has placed the largest single order of this cycle, contracting 18 vessels with a combined capacity of 283,000 TEU. This includes 12 ultra-large 22,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel ships and six 3,200 TEU vessels, valued at USD 3 billion, with deliveries between 2028 and 2030. This order reinforces COSCO's strategy to expand both its global and regional fleets.
This wave of orders spans a diverse range of vessel classes, ownership types, and delivery schedules. The focus on 2028 highlights shipowners' confidence in medium-term trade growth. As demand for feeder and ultra-large vessels continues, the concentrated delivery timeline underscores an industry preparing for sustained future capacity needs.
