According to Alphaliner, Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) of over 15,000 TEUs will reach a total capacity of 8.3 million TEUs by the end of the year, overtaking the neo-panamax classes, which have a capacity amounting to 8.1 million TEUs.
The market analyst points out how these mega ships now represent the majority of the global boxship fleet. There are currently 432 ULCSs in service. Their capacity has increased by 0.9 million TEUs since the beginning of the year, which is due to end with the delivery of a number of new vessels i.e. 0.2 million TEUs more.
There are 1,100 ships in the Neo-Sub-Panamax class, with capacities ranging from 5,100 to 10,000 TEUs. Their capacity has increased by just under 0.2 million TEUs since the beginning of the year, however.
Translation by Giles Foster
