Global Container Ship Orders Surge to Record High, Major Companies Place Newbuilding Orders

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.