MSC Replaces Ageing Feeder Fleet with 120 New Ships in Major Modernisation Push
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has embarked on a major feeder fleet renewal programme, ordering 120 new vessels with capacities of up to 5,000 TEUs, according to a report from Braemar Shipping Services.
The large-scale investment is aimed at replacing MSC’s ageing short-sea fleet, many of which are over 22 years old.
This move reflects MSC’s broader modernisation strategy, designed not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to maintain a competitive edge in an evolving and increasingly regulated shipping environment.
Currently, the Swiss-based carrier operates around 900 container vessels, including 609 owned ships and 291 on charter.
This fleet translates to a total carrying capacity of approximately 6.47 million TEUs, securing MSC’s position as the world’s largest container shipping line, with roughly 20% of global container capacity under its control.
In addition to the 120 feeder vessels, MSC has 132 newbuilds on order, representing 2.0 to 2.2 million TEUs in future capacity.
These vessels, which account for 30–32% of MSC’s projected fleet capacity, are scheduled for delivery between now and 2028.
Braemar noted that by the time these new vessels enter service, many of the older feeder ships in MSC’s fleet will be over 25 years old—an age at which most operators begin retiring vessels due to rising maintenance costs and stricter environmental regulations.
The report also highlighted that many of MSC’s new feeder vessels are being constructed at Chinese shipyards, with deliveries expected to continue through to 2029.
Rather than a short-term capacity boost, the move is seen as part of a long-term fleet renewal strategy, allowing MSC to phase out older tonnage while maintaining efficiency, reducing emissions, and preparing for future regulatory requirements.
“This is not just about increasing TEU capacity in a market already facing oversupply,” Braemar noted. “It’s about future-proofing operations by investing in newer, more efficient ships that meet emerging environmental and performance standards.”
As the container shipping industry grapples with shifting trade patterns, decarbonisation pressures, and a volatile freight market, MSC’s investment signals its intention to stay ahead of the curve—not through expansion alone, but through strategic modernisation of its core fleet.
