THE largest container carriers are continuing their capacity growth, although at a slower pace so far in 2025, according to a new report from Alphaliner.

The report points out that while MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company continues to pull away from the pack, other carriers are also accelerating growth, and for the first time, CMA CGM topped the four million TEU capacity mark.

In the first half of 2025, Alphaliner reports saw an additional 1.18 million TEU of capacity added to the global fleet. They note it was less than four per cent, which marks a break from recent growth-fueled years, but the orderbook remains strong.

The sector reached a total global capacity of 32.7 million TEU with 7,336 active vessels representing a combined total of 388 million dwt, Alphaliner said.

The report highlights that nine of the top 10 carriers each added capacity in the first half of 2025, with an average increase of four per cent in capacity. Only Zim, which is challenged by regional geopolitical issues reduced its capacity since the start of the year.

MSC's growth is predictable, but it accounted for nearly a third (31 per cent) of the growth in the sector. It continues to move away from the pack with a total capacity of 6.6 million TEU. By comparison, Maersk remains at 4.6 million TEU while CMA CGM topped the four million mark for the first time.

"MSC's fleet has expanded by 365,173 TEU since the start of the year," highlights Alphaliner. "This growth stems from newbuilding deliveries and ongoing second-hand tonnage acquisition. So far in 2025, MSC has received 25 newbuildings (316,691 TEU), including 12 neopanamax vessels (15,400¨C16,200 TEU), bolstering its standalone network.

This consistent expansion is not new for the Geneva-based carrier - MSC has been the strongest growing carrier for several years running, with notable increases of 12.3 per cent (2024), 22.0 percent (2023), 7.5 per cent (2022), and 10.7 per cent (2021)."

The fastest growing carrier, however, was Ocean Network Express (ONE), which added nearly six per cent to its capacity. "This year marks a strategic shift for ONE, as it began taking delivery of new capacity under direct ownership," said Alphaliner.

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