Recent analysis by DynaLiners has revealed some interesting trends concerning the world’s fleet of ultra large container vessels (ULCVs), the generic name for box ships of 10,000+ TEU. DynaLiners, part of Netherlands-based consultancy firm Dynamar, has tracked all ULCVs, both those in operation and on order, and has also checked the distribution of the ships over individual operators, by number, size and type.
As of 1 January 2018, 451 ULCVs were in operation, while another 129 were on order for delivery into 2020. MSC had deployed the largest number (90), and also has the largest LCVs on order (11 x 23,350 TEU).
Maersk Line, which was the first carrier to develop and deploy an ULCV with its 15,500 TEU EMMA MAERSK (initially rated at 11,000 TEU in 2006), came second with 86 existing vessels, of which 13 were inherited from its recent Hamburg Süd acquisition. Maersk has 11 units on order, including six of 20,600 TEU each.
Cosco Shipping Line currently uses 67 ULCVs, which will be joined by another 29 over the next two years. A total of 22 existing units and 27 under construction came from China Shipping Line, incorporated in 2016.
Of the biggest ULCV operators, CMA CGM currently deploys 74 such ships, including 20 originating from APL. Its order book comprises 9 x 22,850 TEU leviathans, which are expected
to become the first ever LNG-powered ULCVs.
Thanks to its takeover of UASC (22 ULCVs), HapagLloyd is leading the next tier, with 45 ships (none on order), followed by Japan’s ONE (the combined K Line, MOL and NYK).
Referred to by DynaLiners as a “staunch loner”, Evergreen Line has 31 ULCVs operating and in the pipeline, and is considering 20 more, while Taiwanese compatriot Yang Ming has 21. Six units are being built for the account of non-operating owners.
By February 2018, another 10 or so ULCVs were expected to have been delivered and added to the existing fleet, with the total number remaining unchanged.
On a final note, DynaLiners pointed out that all ULCVs larger than 18,000 TEU (Megamax ships) invariably operate in the high-density North Europe-Far East trade. The average capacity of all ships of all sizes currently operating here is 15,000 TEU.
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This complete item is approximately 200 words in length, and appeared in the February 2018 issue of WorldCargo News, on page 12. To access this issue download the PDF here.
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