Over the past 25 years, cargo ships have consistently grown in size, taking advantage of economies of scale to reduce global shipping costs. The largest modern container ships can now carry over 20,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), leading to the creation of a new size category: Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
As the world’s busiest cargo ports expand in size and capacity, the gross tonnage of new container ships continues to rise. In 2023, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) received 10 new ships with a capacity of 24,232 TEU. Similarly, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Seaspan ULC, and Evergreen collectively received 12 vessels with over 24,000 TEU capacity since 2022.
Each class of ship among the top ten largest container ships in the world was delivered within the last five years. This trend highlights that each new generation of cargo ships boasts larger capacities, driven by expanding ports and advancements in engine technology.
Here are the top ten largest classes of container ships in the world by maximum TEU capacity:
10. Hapag Lloyd Berlin Express Class (2023): 23,664 TEU
The Berlin Express Class ships, including the flagship Berlin Express and her eleven sister ships, are part of Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet operating between the Far East and Northern Europe. Delivered in 2023, these ships measure 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61m (200 feet) wide, and have a total capacity of 23,664 TEU, with a gross tonnage of 229,376.
These ships are equipped with dual-fuel technology, running on LNG and alternative fuels like e-methane. The Berlin Express is powered by a MAN main engine with over 75,000kW output, allowing a cruising speed of 22 knots.
9. MSC Gülsün Class: 23,756 TEU
The MSC Gülsün Class, including the flagship MSC Gülsün and her 15 sister ships, launched in 2019. Measuring 400m (1,312 feet) in length and 61.5m (202 feet) in beam, they have a gross tonnage of 232,618. These ships were the first to feature a 24-container-wide deck.
The six Gülsün Class ships built by Samsung Heavy Industries have a maximum capacity of 23,756 TEU. The remaining ten built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering have a maximum capacity of 23,656 TEU.
8. HMM Algeciras Class (SHI): 23,820 TEU
The Algeciras Class consists of 12 vessels built for HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine), delivered in 2020. The five ships built by SHI, including the HMM Oslo, measure 400m (1,312 feet) long and 61.5m (202 feet) wide, with a gross tonnage of 232,311 and a maximum capacity of 23,820 TEU.
7. HMM Algeciras Class (Daewoo): 23,964 TEU
The larger group of Algeciras Class ships, built by Daewoo (now Hanwha Ocean), was also delivered in 2020. This group, including the flagship HMM Algeciras, measures 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61m (200 feet) wide, with a gross tonnage of 228,283 and a maximum capacity of 23,964 TEU.
6. Evergreen A Class (2021): 23,992 TEU
The Evergreen A Class (Ever A) includes 13 vessels operated by Evergreen Marine Corporation. The six ships built by SHI in 2021 measure 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61.5m (202 feet) wide, and 235,579 gross tonnes, with a maximum capacity of 23,992 TEU.
5. Evergreen A Class (2022): 24,004 TEU
The five Ever A Class vessels built by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) in 2022 measure 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61.5m (202 feet) wide, and 235,579 gross tonnes, with a maximum capacity of 24,004 TEU.
4. MSC Tessa Class: 24,116 TEU
The Tessa Class, operated by MSC, includes eight ships led by the flagship MSC Tessa. Built by CSSC and based on the Ever A Class, these ships measure 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61.5m (202 feet) wide, and 230,757 gross tonnes, with a maximum capacity of 24,116 TEU.
3. ONE I Class: 24,136 TEU
The ONE I Class, used by Singaporean shipping company ONE, includes six ships delivered in 2023. Measuring 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61.4m (201 feet) wide, and 235,311 gross tonnes, these vessels have a maximum capacity of 24,136 TEU.
2. OOCL G Class (2023): 24,188 TEU
The G Class, operated by Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), includes ships built by COSCO Shipyard Group. The six vessels delivered in 2023 measure 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61.3m (201 feet) wide, and 235,341 gross tonnes, with a maximum capacity of 24,188 TEU.
1. MSC Irina Class: 24,346 TEU
The MSC Irina Class is currently the largest class of container ships in the world. Led by the flagship MSC Irina, these ships measure 400m (1,312 feet) long, 61.3m (201 feet) wide, and 233,328 gross tonnes, with a maximum capacity of 24,346 TEU. Four ships are currently in operation, with two more under construction by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group.
