A 'Gigamax' vessel would have a capacity approximately 40% higher than that of the current flagship class. Maersk is considered the most logical candidate to take the lead, with MSC and COSCO seen as the other most likely contenders.

The 24,000 TEU "megamax" seemed to be the obvious upper limit for container ship size for a decade. However, Alphaliner analysts now believe that the sector may be ready to surpass this threshold, revisiting a concept first introduced in 2021 for a new class of 'gigamax' vessels. They argue that advances in ship design, rising fuel costs, and carbon taxation could make ships of around 27,500 TEU commercially viable in the 2030s.

 Theoretical measures of Gigamax-25

The theoretical Gigamax-25 from Alphaliner is estimated to measure approximately 414 meters in length and 63.3 meters in width, compared to the roughly 400 by 61 meters of the largest current Megamax-24 vessels. With containers arranged in 25 rows, it would have a capacity of over 27,000 TEU, boosted by an additional bay on the forward deck.

Vessels of this type are designed to travel at speeds of 18 knots or less.

This type of vessel is designed for speeds of 18 knots or less. It is also equipped with dual-fuel LNG propulsion. According to Alphaliner estimates, a highly optimised vessel of this type would consume only slightly more fuel than an older 20,500 TEU Megamax. It would also carry approximately 7,000 additional containers.

Related: Alphaliner : The evolution of container shipping over the last 25 years in numbers- Details

Estimation of Alphaliner  

Alphaliner estimates that a highly optimised vessel of this type, designed for speeds of 18 knots or less and equipped with dual-fuel LNG propulsion, would consume only slightly more fuel than an older 20,500 TEU Megamax, while carrying approximately 7,000 additional containers. The new ships could enter major East-West trades from around 2030. Alphaliner anticipates elevated fuel prices and carbon-emissions taxes will serve to reinforce the rationale for larger vessels, particularly in instances where carriers can optimise utilisation on long-haul routes

Maersk is the most logical candidate to take the lead

In its most recent weekly report, the consultancy identified Maersk as the most logical candidate to take the lead. The Danish shipping line is the only one of the world's top eight that has never ordered vessels with a capacity of 24,000 TEU. Its 31 largest ships have an average capacity of around 19,600 TEU, meaning a "Gigamax" vessel would offer a capacity increase of approximately 40% over its current flagship class. Furthermore, its Gemini Cooperation hub-and-spoke network, which involves fewer calls at major ports, is well suited to the use of larger vessels. MSC and COSCO are considered the other most likely candidates.

 The optimism seen at the SMM trade fair

Following the optimism seen last week at the SMM trade fair, Alphaliner has renewed its interest. Reports suggest that Chinese shipyards have received new inquiries from major shipping lines regarding the construction of large vessels. The Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute, which is part of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), announced at the previous edition of SMM that it had received approval in principle for a 27,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship. The global container ship order book has reached a record 14.7 million TEU across 1,795 vessels, with ships exceeding 10,000 TEU capacity accounting for 68% of the ordered capacity.

Source: Italian media + Others

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