As the global shipping industry continues its push toward greener fleets, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has once again placed its bet on Chinese shipbuilding.
According to sources in China's shipbuilding sector, MSC—the world’s largest container shipping company—has ordered six 22,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels from Hengli Heavy Industry (formerly STX Dalian). This new order follows the strategic cooperation framework agreement signed last year and further reinforces MSC’s support for Hengli.
In fact, when MSC and Hengli signed their strategic agreement last year, they finalized orders for a total of 20 ultra-large container ships—ten 21,000 TEU vessels and ten 24,000 TEU vessels—priced at approximately $215 million and $230 million each, respectively. This deal became one of the most high-profile mega orders in China’s shipbuilding sector in recent years.
Although details and delivery timelines of the new 22,000 TEU vessels have yet to be officially announced, industry insiders estimate the cost per ship will remain in line with previous orders—keeping the overall value in the multi-billion-dollar range.
Under the global pressure to decarbonize fleets, MSC's aggressive adoption of LNG dual-fuel ships highlights its ambitious green shipping strategy. With a current capacity of about 6.51 million TEU and nearly 20% of the global market share, MSC has more than 130 vessels on order, projected to add over 2 million TEU of new capacity in the coming years.
Furthermore, earlier this year, MSC also placed an order for four 21,700 TEU ships with Changhong International Shipyard in Zhoushan, China—each valued at $220 million—with an option for up to four additional vessels. These are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028.
As the pressure for carbon neutrality grows, shipping giants like MSC are leveraging massive green fleet renewal programs to strengthen their market leadership. At the same time, Chinese shipyards—especially emerging players like Hengli Heavy Industry—are becoming vital players in this transformative wave of sustainable shipping.
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