Container ships have grown to staggering sizes in recent years, driven by the increasing demands of global trade.
These engineering marvels are crucial for transporting vast quantities of goods across oceans, and the largest of them are true behemoths, measuring hundreds of meters in length and able to carry tens of thousands of containers. Here’s a look at the world’s seven largest container ships, highlighting their capacities, innovations, and roles in the global supply chain.
1. Ever Ace
- Owner: Evergreen Marine Corp
- Capacity: 23,992 TEU
- Dimensions: 400 meters in length, 61.5 meters in width
- Year Built: 2021
The Ever Ace is currently the largest container ship in the world, with a maximum capacity of 23,992 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). This ship was the first in a series of ten Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) commissioned by Evergreen Marine. Built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, the Ever Ace boasts highly efficient, eco-friendly features, such as a new hull design and advanced propulsion systems, which reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. It primarily operates on routes between Asia and Europe, bringing the economies of scale to high-volume trade lanes.
2. HMM Algeciras
- Owner: Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)
- Capacity: 23,964 TEU
- Dimensions: 399.9 meters in length, 61 meters in width
- Year Built: 2020
The HMM Algeciras holds the title of the second-largest container ship, with a maximum carrying capacity of 23,964 TEU. Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), the Algeciras features optimized hull structures and state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology. HMM, a major South Korean shipping company, commissioned the Algeciras as part of a series of twelve ULCVs. This ship also serves the Asia-Europe route and is known for its impressive fuel efficiency, achieved through its advanced engine design and energy-saving devices.
3. MSC Gülsün
- Owner: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
- Capacity: 23,756 TEU
- Dimensions: 400 meters in length, 61.5 meters in width
- Year Built: 2019
The MSC Gülsün was the largest container ship when it was delivered in 2019 and continues to be one of the largest by capacity today. It was the first container ship in the world to cross the 23,000 TEU mark, setting a new standard in the industry. MSC Gülsün was designed with advanced safety and environmental features, including a double-hull structure for added safety and systems to reduce sulfur oxide emissions. Built by Samsung Heavy Industries, the ship operates along the Asia-Europe trade route and has become an integral part of MSC’s fleet, enabling more efficient transportation.
4. CMA CGM Jacques Saadé
- Owner: CMA CGM Group
- Capacity: 23,112 TEU
- Dimensions: 400 meters in length, 61 meters in width
- Year Built: 2020
Named after CMA CGM’s founder, the CMA CGM Jacques Saadé is the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship. CMA CGM, a French shipping giant, made headlines with this ship’s launch as it marked a significant step toward reducing maritime emissions. The vessel is fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which reduces sulfur oxide emissions by up to 99% and cuts CO₂ emissions by around 20%. The Jacques Saadé, along with its sister ships, operates on the French Asia Line (FAL) connecting Asia to Northern Europe, emphasizing both capacity and sustainability.
5. OOCL Hong Kong
- Owner: Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL)
- Capacity: 21,413 TEU
- Dimensions: 399.9 meters in length, 58.8 meters in width
- Year Built: 2017
The OOCL Hong Kong made history in 2017 as the first container ship to exceed the 21,000 TEU threshold. It is part of OOCL’s fleet of G-class mega vessels, built by Samsung Heavy Industries. The ship features a highly efficient propulsion system, enabling greater fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. The OOCL Hong Kong primarily services the Asia-Europe route and represents OOCL’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices. It paved the way for larger vessels, influencing the designs of the ships that followed.
6. COSCO Shipping Universe
- Owner: COSCO Shipping Lines
- Capacity: 21,237 TEU
- Dimensions: 400 meters in length, 58.6 meters in width
- Year Built: 2018
The COSCO Shipping Universe is the flagship vessel of China’s COSCO Shipping Lines and is part of a series of six ultra-large container vessels. Built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), this ship was designed to operate on high-demand routes, primarily between Asia and Europe. The COSCO Shipping Universe features a highly efficient engine that reduces emissions, making it one of the greener giants in COSCO’s fleet. Its large carrying capacity plays a significant role in reducing the frequency of voyages, thus minimizing the fleet’s environmental footprint.
7. Madrid Maersk
- Owner: Maersk Line
- Capacity: 20,568 TEU
- Dimensions: 399 meters in length, 58.6 meters in width
- Year Built: 2017
The Madrid Maersk was the first in Maersk’s second generation of Triple-E (Economy of scale, Energy efficiency, and Environmentally improved) vessels. With a capacity of 20,568 TEU, the Madrid Maersk continues to serve as a key player in the Maersk fleet. Its unique design prioritizes fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with Maersk’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Madrid Maersk has a reinforced hull, allowing it to sail through icy waters, and serves routes between Asia and Europe.
The Impact of Mega Container Ships on Global Trade
The rise of mega container ships like those listed above reflects the ever-growing demands of international trade. These massive vessels offer several advantages, including:
- Economies of Scale: Large container ships reduce per-unit shipping costs, benefiting both carriers and customers by making transportation more affordable.
- Efficiency in Fuel and Emissions: Many of the largest ships incorporate advanced eco-friendly technology, such as LNG fuel systems, efficient engines, and hull designs that reduce resistance, all of which help in reducing their carbon footprint.
- Enhanced Capacity and Fewer Voyages: By carrying tens of thousands of containers, these ships reduce the number of voyages needed, lessening the environmental impact and streamlining logistics for major shipping routes.
However, these ships also bring challenges. Their enormous size means that only specific ports with deep-water docks and advanced infrastructure can accommodate them. This limitation increases the concentration of trade at major hubs, requiring significant infrastructure investments by ports and logistics companies.
Future Trends in Container Shipping
As shipping lines continue to look for ways to reduce costs and environmental impacts, we may see:
- Further Size Increases: While there are physical limits, engineers may continue to push the boundaries of ship size.
- LNG and Alternative Fuels: More shipping companies are likely to adopt LNG or hydrogen fuel technology to meet international emissions targets.
- Digital Integration: Enhanced digital tracking, automation, and blockchain technology may streamline cargo handling and customs processes for faster, more efficient shipping.
- Smarter Port Infrastructure: Ports are investing in automation, digital twins, and AI to accommodate these vessels more efficiently, reducing loading and unloading times.
Conclusion
The world’s largest container ships represent incredible feats of engineering and are key to the functioning of our globalized economy.
By transporting goods at lower costs and with greater efficiency, these ships allow businesses to keep shelves stocked, manufacturers to obtain raw materials, and consumers to enjoy products from around the world.
The scale and impact of these vessels continue to drive innovations in maritime engineering and logistics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in global trade.
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