In recent years, the maritime industry has undergone a drastic transformation as container ships balloon in size.
The construction of these Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) capable of transporting well over 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), has been driven by the need for greater efficiency and economies of scale
When compared to their contemporaries from the 1970s, which held loads of up to 3,000 TEU, these modern day container ships truly dwarf anything previously thought possible.
This growth comes as no surprise, given that international shipping makes up nearly 90% of the global trade in goods, with approximately 50,000 container ships currently in operation.
The same too can be found in the busiest cargo ports in the world, which are vastly increasing in size and capacity.
With demand for large, reliable goods transportation higher than ever before, the maritime industry needed to adapt. No stranger to innovation, shipbuilders around the world have taken on board the need for improved methods of transportation, which went beyond simply expanding the total capacity of container ships.
New hull designs and propulsion systems are at the forefront of efforts to reduce fuel consumption in container ships. Innovations such as hydrodynamic hull forms, energy-saving ducts, and air lubrication systems help minimise drag and improve fuel efficiency.
To tackle harmful emissions, many modern container ships are equipped with scrubbers and selective catalytic reduction systems. These technologies help reduce the levels of sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted during operations.
Shipping companies are increasingly adopting strategies to minimise waste, such as composting, recyclable packaging, and onboard waste treatment systems. These measures help reduce the environmental footprint of maritime operations.
Efforts to promote sustainable shipping include practices like slow steaming, which reduces fuel consumption by operating ships at lower speeds, and port electrification, which allows ships to plug into shore power while docked, reducing emissions. Additionally, research into alternative fuels, such as LNG and hydrogen, is ongoing to find more sustainable options for the future.
The following are the 20 largest flagship container vessels as of 2025, ranked by maximum TEU capacity:
Launched in 2018, the Ever Golden and its sister ships form part of the Evergreen G Class, a series of 11 container ships built for Evergreen Marine by Imabari Shipbuilding in Japan. The Evergreen G Class ships range in TEU capacity from 20,124 to 20,388.
The sister ship, the Ever Given, drew global attention in March 2021, when it ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal for six days.
Flying under the Liberian flag, the Ever Glory is part of the Evergreen G Class, capable of carrying 20,160 TEUs. The Ever Glory uses advanced technologies for better performance, and a reduced impact on the environment. The Ever Glory launched in 2019.
Completed in 2017 by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, the MOL Triumph is a container ship with a maximum cargo capacity of 20,170 TEU. It was the first container ship to break the 20,000 TEU threshold, a remarkable feat in 2017. In September 2022, during a 5-year inspection, the MOL Triumph was renamed to “ONE TRIUMPH”.
Part of the Triumph class of six container ships, the MOL Truth was completed in late 2017 for Ocean Network Express. Built by Saijo shipyards of Imabari Shipbuilding Company Limited, the MOL Truth is 399 meters long and 58 meters wide, capable of carrying 20,182 TEU. It uses low-friction hull paint, a high-efficiency propeller, and a high-efficiency engine plant to lessen its environmental impact.
When it launched in 2017, the Madrid Maersk was the largest container ship in the world, but this was a short-lived title usurped by the OOCL Hong Kong. The Madrid Maersk was the second container ship to surpass the 20,000 TEU threshold, with an impressive 20,568 TEU capacity.
Taking its name from French author and aviator, the CMA CGM Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is the flagship of her class. This container ship boasts several eco-friendly features, including a new-generation engine and a ballast water treatment system. With a capacity of 20,954 TEUs, it serves the French Asia Line 1 (FAL-1), the longest sea route between Asia and Northern Europe.
Made in 2018, COSCO Shipping Universe is a vital component of China’s One Belt, One Road initiative. With a capacity of 21,237 TEUs, this vessel is the largest cargo ship in China, equipped with ABB Turbochargers for enhanced fuel efficiency, supporting trade between China, Europe, and Africa.
Briefly snatching the title of largest container ship from the Mardid Maersk when it launched in 2017, the OOCL Hong Kong was the third ship to pass the 20,000 TEU threshold, and the first to pass 21,000 TEU.
Lead ship of the G class, the OOCL Hong Kong is an impressive vessel with a capacity of 21,413 TEUs. It links East Asia to Northern Europe through the Suez Canal, facilitating the efficient movement of goods between these major regions.
Named after the founder of CMA CGM, the CMA CGM Jacques Saadé is a pioneering vessel powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), making it an environmentally sustainable option in the shipping industry.
With a capacity of 23,112 TEUs, she is the largest container ship to sail under the French flag, and plays a crucial role in the French-Asia trade route, supporting the global supply chain.
The MSC Mina is part of the Gülsün class of container ships. Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, with a capacity of 23,656 TEU, the Gülsün class was the first to feature 24 containers wide on deck. The MSC Mina operates for the Mediterranean Shipping Company.
Delivered in 2023 to form part of Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet, the Berlin Express has a load capacity of 23,664 TEU. The Berlin Express Class ships are equipped with dual-fuel technology, allowing them to run on LNG and alternative fuels like e-methane. It features a MAN main engine capable of over 75,000kW output, useful for serving trade routes across the Far East and Northern Europe.
Built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, the MSC Gülsün was the largest container ship in the world when it launched in 2019.
Featuring a cargo system designed by MacGregor International AB, it has a wide breath that allows for 24 container rows, and a load capacity of 23,756 TEU. This design helps reduce the carbon footprint, aligning with the industry's move towards more sustainable shipping practices.
Delivered in 2020 by Samsung Heavy Industries, the HMM Oslo is designed with a focus on environmental regulations, making it an eco-friendly container ship. With a capacity of 23,820 TEUs, tit was the largest container ship in the world upon delivery, though it has since been surpassed.
Built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, the HMM Algeciras features an eco-friendly design with a scrubber system and smart hull design for energy efficiency. With a capacity of 23,964 TEU, the HMM Algeciras deployed on the FE4 service of THE ALLIANCE between Asia and Europe, having the largest capacity deployed.
Powered by a 2-stroke Wartsila engine, providing a cruising speed of 22.6 knots, the Ever Ace is part of the Ever A - or Evergreen A - class of container ships built by Samsung Heavy Industries and China State Shipbuilding Corporation. With a capacity of 23,992 TEU, the Ever Ace took its first voyage in July 2021.
Built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group Co, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the Ever Alot was given to Taiwanese Shipping Company Evergreen Marine in 2022.
The Ever Alot is equipped with hydrodynamic optimisation technology, enabling higher speeds and reduced fuel consumption, and features a load capacity of 24,004 TEU.
The MSC Tessa belongs to the Tessa Class - sometimes known as the Hudong Class - and is renowned for its hybrid scrubber, large diameter propellers, and energy-saving ducts. Based on the Ever A Class ships, it features a capacity of 24,116 TEU, and primarily transports cargo between Europe and East Asia.
The ONE Innovation and its kin represent a significant leap in maritime transportation. Built by Imabari Shipbuilding and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, the fleet was delivered in 2023 with the ONE Innovation as the flagship.
Featuring a capacity of 24,136 TEUs, these ships are designed to transport 25 rows of 40ft containers, serving liner services between Europe and East Asia.
Acting as the flagship of the OOCL G Class for Hong Kong-based Orient Overseas Container Line, The OOCL Spain offers a capacity of 24,188 TEU. The OOCL Spain was one of eight ships constructed in the class by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co.
The OOCL G Class vessels are notable for their smart technologies that enhance operational efficiency, fuel economy, and safety. These ships primarily serve the Asia-Europe route, connecting major global markets.
Currently the largest container ship in the world, the MSC Irina represents the pinnacle of modern container ship design. One of six flying under the Liberian flag, the MSC Irina and its kin are currently unmatched in size.
Built by Chinese Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group in 2023, the MSC Irina features an impressive 24,346 TEU load capacity, and a smart design that enhances fuel efficiency. It utilises large propellers and an air bubble system to reduce water resistance, and also features hybrid scrubbers that cut down CO2 emissions by 3-4%.
The MSC Irina and its class primarily operate between Europe and East Asia, facilitating global trade.
The answer to that is not so straightforward.
Though the size and capacity of these modern day container ships may astound those of the past, the future of container shipping shows no sign of slowing.
It is no surprise that the top ten largest classes were all built from 2020 onwards, showcasing the vast rate of expansion capable as the world continues to adapt and evolve.
As global trade continues to expand, the demand for larger and more efficient container ships is expected to grow. These vessels will play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for goods and services around the world.
The shipping industry is continuously exploring new designs, propulsion systems, and alternative fuels to push the technological boundaries of container ships. Innovations in artificial intelligence and automation are also being integrated to enhance operational efficiency.
The future of container shipping holds the promise of even larger and more advanced ships. These vessels will likely feature improved efficiency, sustainability, and safety measures, further revolutionising global trade.
However, there are serious challenges that arise with a container ship fleet focused on growing bigger.
Ultra-Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) have made headlines for their sheer size, but their future is fraught with challenges that extend beyond the impressive dimensions. These giants of the sea, while promising economies of scale, bring with them a host of complexities that question the true benefits they offer.
On paper, ULCVs appear to be hyperefficient. Take, for instance, the HMM Algeciras. With its low-speed MAN B&W 11G95ME-C engine exceeding 50% thermal efficiency, it boasts a capacity just shy of 24,000 TEU.
However, this figure represents only the dimensions of the containers, not their weight. Assuming each container weighs approximately 14 tonnes, the HMM Algeciras can realistically carry around 16,800 TEU before reaching its weight limit.
While it might seem more fuel-efficient for a single ULCVs to transport cargo compared to multiple smaller vessels, the reality is more nuanced. Smaller ships - with utilisation rates often around 80% - are easier to book cargo on.
Ships like the HMM Algeciras frequently operate with load factors rarely exceeding 60%, and sometimes even less. Additionally, the assumption that these ships will always sail the most efficient routes is questionable.
With the ongoing situation with the Panama Canal casting uncertainty over the popular trade route’s future, or the hefty canal tolls of the Suez Canal, many container ships may be forced to determine whether burning 1000s of tonnes of fuel extra is a more suitable alternative to the political and financial ramifications associated.
Port infrastructure presents another significant challenge. Only a limited number of hub ports can accommodate the massive investments required for a fully loaded ULCV. Maintaining the necessary depth in port approaches and berthing areas demands constant dredging, which is both costly and environmentally damaging.
New cranes with greater overreach must be installed to handle the 24 containers across ULCV decks. The strategic placement of these hubs remains a contentious issue, as competing European ports continuously outdo each other in depth, capacity, and fee reductions, often without considering end-user demand.
“In both agriculture and container shipping, policies – notably those of the European Union – are designed to pursue economies of scale,” Ports and Shipping Expert at ITF, Olaf Merk wrote in Transport Policy Matters, drawing parallels between big shipping companies and big agriculture.
“There is of course another major difference: agriculture is vital, [but] container shipping is essential to the extent that global trade is. With many world leaders pleading for more regional sourcing, long-range containerised transport might be less inevitable than thought – which opens the perspective for possible fundamental change”.
Of course, an economy based on endless growth is unsustainable - a point Merk raises as he suggests that public policies can change. This may lead to a focus on smaller, more environmentally friendly ships leading the charge.
What the future holds for the maritime industry remains uncertain, and while there are a great many benefits to building bigger and bigger, so too are there concerns. Advancements in technology may hold the key to more efficient goods transportation, which may well see the giants of this list relegated to the history books. Only time will tell.
Containers may have transformed the way we transport goods, but they can still be subject to various issues, from the spoilage of goods to corrosion, container stack collapse and more.
Should you find yourself dealing with a container-related issue, then speak to Brookes Bell today. With a multidisciplinary team that consists of Master Mariners, cargo scientists, metallurgists, naval architects, and fire investigators, we truly are the ‘one-stop shop’ for your shipping container consultancy requirements.
For more maritime industry news, insights and developments, read the Brookes Bell News and Knowledge Hub…
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