The global container fleet increased its capacity by approximately 2 million TEU in 2023, with half of this increase coming from MSC. The company is actively investing in expanding its fleet, having received 14 Megamax vessels with a volume of 24 thousand TEU and 26 Neopanamax vessels with a volume of about 15 thousand TEU. Orders for future deliveries amount to more than 1.5 million TEU, indicating intentions to continue to expand the fleet.
At the end of last year, MSC owned about a quarter of all container ships over 20 years old and continues to actively expand its fleet through chartering and purchases of second-hand tonnage. While MSC maintains its rapid growth, its main rival Maersk is reducing its fleet by 3%, leaving a 1.5 million TEU gap between the companies. Experts note that if Maersk continues this rate of reduction, then CMA CGM may take second place in the ranking of container carriers.
Maersk, in line with its strategy, refocused on its embedded logistics business, de-emphasizing capacity as an important factor in profitability.
Image source: https://cfts.org.ua/news/2024/01/04/svitoviy_konteynerniy_flot_za_pidsumkami_2023_roku_zbilshiv_mistkist_na_2_mln_teu_77737