The maritime industry has seen an extraordinary evolution over the years, with shipping companies investing in record-breaking vessels that serve as the backbone of international trade. These colossal container ships, designed with advanced technology and unmatched capacity, exemplify the pinnacle of maritime engineering. Here, we explore the world’s 10 largest container ships in greater detail.
MSC Irina
The MSC Irina Class, operated by MSC, stands as the largest container ship in the world, with an astounding capacity of 24,346 TEUs. Introduced in 2023, this class comprises six vessels, all flagged under Liberia. The ships measure 399.95 meters in length and feature a beam of 61.3 meters, allowing them to maximize cargo efficiency while navigating the busiest global trade routes. With a gross tonnage of 233,328, the MSC Irina Class represents a groundbreaking achievement in shipping design, ensuring its dominance over international waters.
OOCL Spain Class
Closely following is the OOCL Spain Class, operated by OOCL, which has quickly established itself as a hallmark of efficiency and capacity. With a capacity of 24,136 TEUs and a slightly higher gross tonnage of 235,311 compared to the MSC Irina Class, these ships were constructed between 2023 and 2024. The class includes eight vessels, all flagged under Hong Kong, measuring 399.9 meters in length and featuring a beam of 61.3 meters. As a subsidiary of COSCO, OOCL continues to push the boundaries of maritime logistics with this class of ships, which seamlessly blends cutting-edge design and operational capability.
ONE Innovation Class
The ONE Innovation Class, operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE), shares its impressive capacity of 24,136 TEUs with the OOCL Spain Class. Introduced in 2023, this class of six ships boasts a gross tonnage of 235,311 and measures 399.95 meters in length with a beam of 61.4 meters. All six vessels sail under the Liberian flag, designed to deliver maximum cargo capacity while adhering to the latest standards of efficiency and sustainability. This class is a testament to the industry’s rapid advancements in maritime technology.
MSC Tessa Class
MSC also boasts another record-breaking addition to its fleet with the MSC Tessa Class, which reflects the company’s commitment to leading global container shipping. Built in 2023, the class includes eight vessels, each with a capacity of 24,116 TEUs and a gross tonnage of 230,757. Measuring 399.9 meters in length with a beam of 61.5 meters, the MSC Tessa Class strikes a perfect balance between scale and operational performance, further solidifying MSC’s dominance in the sector.
Ever Alot Class
The Ever Alot Class, operated by Evergreen, marked a historic moment in shipping as the first class of container ships to surpass the 24,000 TEU threshold. Introduced in 2022, the class comprises five vessels, with two flagged under Panama and three under Singapore. With a gross tonnage of 236,228 and a container capacity of 24,004 TEUs, the Ever Alot Class redefines efficiency and innovation in maritime logistics. The ships, measuring 399.9 meters in length and featuring a beam of 61.5 meters, remain an enduring milestone in the history of container shipping.
Ever Ace Class
Evergreen’s Ever Ace Class, introduced between 2021 and 2022, continues the company’s focus on high-capacity vessels. This class of six ships has a container capacity of 23,992 TEUs and a gross tonnage of 235,579. The vessels, measuring 399.9 meters in length with a beam of 61.5 meters, are split between Panama and Taiwanese flags. As a key part of Evergreen’s fleet, the Ever Ace Class ensures seamless trade connections across global shipping routes.
HMM Algeciras Class
The HMM Algeciras Class, operated by South Korea’s HMM, made a significant impact upon its debut in 2020. With a capacity of 23,964 TEUs and a gross tonnage of 228,283, this class consists of seven vessels, all sailing under the South Korean flag. Measuring 399.9 meters in length with a beam of 61 meters, the HMM Algeciras Class exemplifies efficiency and sustainability, cementing HMM’s status as a leader in maritime logistics.
HMM Oslo Class
Also introduced by HMM in 2020, the HMM Oslo Class builds on the success of the Algeciras Class with five vessels in its fleet. These South Korea-flagged ships have a capacity of 23,820 TEUs and a gross tonnage of 232,311. Measuring 399.9 meters in length with a beam of 61.5 meters, the HMM Oslo Class demonstrates the company’s continued dedication to large-scale efficiency and innovation.
MSC Gülsün Class
The MSC Gülsün Class, introduced by MSC between 2019 and 2020, remains a landmark in the company’s history. With a capacity of 23,756 TEUs and a gross tonnage of 232,618, this class includes six vessels, all flagged under Panama. At 399.9 meters in length and with a beam of 61.5 meters, the MSC Gülsün Class broke new ground in the maritime industry, setting a benchmark for container ship design at the time of its debut.
Berlin Express Class
Finally, the Berlin Express Class, operated by Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd, is another recent marvel in global shipping. Built between 2023 and 2024, the class comprises seven vessels with a capacity of 23,664 TEUs and a gross tonnage of 229,376. Measuring 399.9 meters in length with a beam of 61 meters, these German-flagged ships are designed to meet the increasing demands of international trade with exceptional reliability and efficiency.
Together, these ships represent the pinnacle of maritime engineering, embodying the sheer scale and efficiency required to drive global commerce. From the record-breaking MSC Irina Class to the innovative Berlin Express Class, each vessel is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in container shipping. These giants of the sea play a crucial role in keeping the world connected, enabling the smooth flow of goods across oceans and continents.
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