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The Ten Most Massive Container Vessels of 2023
In the realm of global trade and business, the shipping sector plays a crucial role, serving as the backbone of worldwide supply chains. With the continual expansion of international trade, container ships have become vital for transporting goods on an unprecedented scale. As we step into 2024, let’s look back at the emergence of a new generation of massive vessels this year, which pushed the limits of size, efficiency, and capacity.
This engaging blog takes you on a captivating journey to explore the 10 most significant container ships that have left their mark in 2023. These enormous vessels showcase engineering marvels, revolutionizing the shipping industry with their sheer size and cutting-edge technologies. From colossal dimensions to innovative features, each ship on this list embodies human ingenuity and reflects our unwavering pursuit of progress. Let’s delve into the world of maritime giants, unravelling the mysteries behind their massive sizes and the influence they exert on global trade. From their impressive designs to their substantial cargo capacities, these container ships stand as true giants of the seas, shaping the future of global logistics.
Here are the largest container vessels globally:-
• MSC IRINA
MSC Irina, now holding the title of the largest container ship globally, boasts an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs. Commencing its service in 2023, this maritime giant proudly sails under the flag of Liberia, measuring an extensive length of 399.9 m and a moulded width of approximately 61.3 m. After undergoing sea trials in February 2023, the vessel underwent final touches at Zhejiang Zhoushan Shipyard before its grand launch in March 2023. Embarking on its maiden voyage, MSC Irina recently graced Nansha Port with its presence.
Parallelly, MSC Loreto, a sister ship mirroring Irina's capacity and dimensions, proudly flies the Liberian flag. Initiating a new era in ship construction, Irina leads a series of six vessels crafted by the esteemed Chinese Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group. These cutting-edge ships feature innovative design elements aimed at curbing fuel consumption. Noteworthy components include large-diameter propellers and a system generating air bubbles along the hull to diminish water resistance. Moreover, the vessel is equipped with hybrid scrubbers, promising a 3 to 4% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
• OOCL SPAIN
OOCL, short for Orient Overseas Container Line, proudly unveiled its inaugural 24,188 TEU capacity container ship, christened the OOCL Spain. Crafted by Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., this colossal vessel spans a total length of 399.9 meters and boasts a generous beam of 61.3 meters. The Hong Kong Seaport Alliance warmly received OOCL Spain on her maiden voyage on March 25, 2023, setting a groundbreaking record for the Hong Kong Port as the first container ship with a TEU capacity surpassing 24,000 to dock in the city.
Hoisting the flag of Hong Kong and flaunting a substantial gross tonnage of 235,341 tonnes, the ship is currently deployed on the company’s Asia-Europe Service LL3. Acknowledging its technological prowess, the American Bureau of Shipping has bestowed upon OOCL Spain the coveted 'Smart Ship' notation. This recognition is attributed to the incorporation of intelligent technologies onboard, enhancing fuel efficiency, facilitating structural health monitoring, and upholding high safety standards.
• MSC TESSA
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding crafted the containership MSC Tessa for the Mediterranean Shipping Company, presenting a mega ship with an impressive carrying capacity of 24,116 TEUs. Spanning 399.9 meters in length and 61.5 meters in width, it proudly sails under the flag of Liberia. This colossal vessel boasts a deck area equivalent to four football fields and incorporates innovative features such as a small bulbous bow, energy-saving ducts, massive propellers, and hybrid scrubbers. Utilizing air lubrication to curtail energy consumption and carbon emissions, MSC Tessa stands as a beacon of eco-friendly maritime technology. Classified by DNV, the ship reveals a moulded depth of 33.2 meters and the stacked containers can soar to a height resembling 22 stories. Beyond its remarkable TEU capacity, MSC Tessa is capable of transporting over 240,000 tonnes of cargo, reaffirming its status as a formidable force in the world of maritime transport.
• EVER ALOT
In 2022, Ever Alot emerged from the shipyards of Hudong - Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group Co., a subsidiary of the China State building Corporation. This maritime marvel found its home with the Taiwanese Shipping Company, Evergreen Marine. With a formidable capacity of 24,004 TEUs, the vessel stretches an impressive 399.9 meters in length and spans 61.5 meters in width, navigating with a draft of 17 meters. Its grandeur extends to a gross tonnage of 236,228 tonnes, accompanied by a capacious deck area encompassing 24,000 square meters.
Ever Alot proudly holds the position as the 7th container ship in Evergreen Marine's A-Class and achieves a historic milestone by becoming the world's first ship in its class to surpass the 24,000 TEU mark. Dedicated to trade routes linking Europe and the Far East, this vessel is a trailblazer in its category. Fuelled by hydrodynamic optimization technology, Ever Alot excels in shipping heavy loads at high speeds while prioritizing fuel efficiency—a testament to its commitment to technological advancement and sustainable maritime practices.
• EVER ACE
Boasting a carrying capacity of 23,992 TEUs, the Ever Ace stands as one of the largest container ships. It embarked on its inaugural journey in July 2021, measuring an impressive length of 400 meters. While there are two other ships of similar size, the Ever Ace surpasses them in width, depth, featuring 24 rows of parallel containers with a breadth of 61.53 meters.
Upon its launch, the Ever Ace claimed the title of the world's largest container ship, marking the debut of the first of 12 such capacity vessels slated for construction by Evergreen Marine. Notably, the Ever Ace now sails under the Panamanian flag, and its construction credits go to Samsung Heavy Industries, a shipbuilder based in South Korea, delivering a modern masterpiece with a gross tonnage of 235,579. Powered by a main engine generating 70,950 kilowatts, it cruises at a speed of 22.6 knots.
• HMM ALGECIRAS
HMM Algeciras, constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding, it's part of a twelve-vessel fleet with a capacity of 23,964 TEUs, just slightly less than Ever Ace. Operating under the Panamanian flag, it travels between East Asia and Europe, managed by Evergreen, boasting a Gross Tonnage of 228,283. Equipped with a scrubber system for environmental compliance, it's among 12 eco-friendly 24,000 TEU containerships featuring advanced technology.
• HMM OSLO
HMM Oslo, closely trails its sister ship HMM Algeciras. Manufactured by Samsung Heavy Industries on May 11, 2020, it embarked on its maiden voyage from South Korea to the United Kingdom, making stops at major ports including Singapore, Rotterdam, and various ports in China.
This Panama-flagged vessel spans 400 meters in length, boasts a width of 61.5 meters, and achieves a maximum draft of 16.5 meters. It has a capacity of 23,820 TEUs. Operating under the ownership of HMM South Korea, the HMM Oslo is a notable player in the maritime landscape.
• MSC GULSUN
The fourth-largest container ship globally, MSC Gulsun, operates under the Panamanian flag, managed by the Mediterranean Shipping Company in Geneva, Switzerland. Notably, its substantial 62-meter breadth allowed it to make history by accommodating 24 container rows side by side.
Measuring 399.9 meters in length, the MSC Gulsun boasts a load capacity of 23,756 TEUs, created by Samsung Heavy Industries with Panamanian registration. Equipped with a dual tower fire suppression system, its design prioritizes a higher container carrying capacity to minimize the overall carbon footprint.
While MSC Gulsun held the title of the world's largest container ship upon its launch on March 9, 2019, it now claims the eighth spot due to subsequent advancements in larger vessels.
• MSC MINA
With a carrying capacity of 23,656 TEUs, MSC Mina belongs to the Gulsun class of container ships and serves as the sister ship to MSC Gulsun. Operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, this vessel was constructed by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in South Korea, embarking on its inaugural journey on July 18, 2019.
Measuring approximately 400 meters in length, 6 meters in width, and 6.5 meters in depth, MSC Mina holds the distinction of being the largest container ship to make a port visit in Thailand. In addition to accommodating regular container types, it boasts a load capacity of 2,000 reefer containers, designed for transporting chilled or frozen goods.
• CMA CGM JACQUES SAADÉ
Commencing operations on September 23, 2020, the CMA CGM Jacques Saadé stands out with a distinctive design, marking the beginning of its service on the French Asia Line route. This vessel, the pioneer of nine sister ships in the Jacques Saadé family, was crafted by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation.
Fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the CMA CGM Jacques Saadé boasts dimensions of 400 meters in length, 61 meters in width, and 78 meters in height. With a substantial carrying capacity of 23,112 TEUs, it operates as the largest container ship sailing under the French flag on the French Asia Line.
Owned by the French container shipping and transport firm CMA CGM group, the ship's noteworthy 18,600 cubic meters fuel tank enables it to undertake round trips from Northern Europe to South East Asia.
In conclusion, the Top 10 container ships of 2023 signify a significant milestone in maritime evolution, showcasing human ingenuity and reshaping international commerce dynamics. With their impressive capacity, efficiency, and commitment to sustainability, these vessels set the stage for a thriving future of global trade, interconnecting nations, cultures, and economies in a complex web of exchange.