The global order book for newly-built container ships has soared to an all-time high, with more than 1,100 vessels—over 11.25 million TEU—currently on order, representing 34% of the existing fleet. Despite the massive backlog, shipowners are pressing ahead with new orders. TMS, owned by George Economou, placed an additional order for 8+2 LNG dual-fuel 11,400 TEU container ships at Zhoushan Changhong International, following an earlier order for 10 similar vessels. This brings TMS’s total order at Changhong International to 18+2 units, with a combined investment approaching USD 3 billion. According to Alphaliner, Alpha Bulkers ordered 3 1,900 TEU ships at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, 4 3,100 TEU ships at COSCO SHIPPING Heavy Industry (Guangdong), and 4 4,500 TEU ships at CIMC Raffles Yantai. Flex Box has also joined the spree, securing 4 8,800 TEU ships at HD Hyundai Samho, with deliveries beginning in September 2027. Zodiac Maritime made headlines with an order for 6 9,000 TEU ships and 8 VLCCs at Jiangsu Hantong, valued at over USD 1.6 billion, with deliveries slated for 2028 and 2029.