In March a record 45 ultra-large containership (ULCS) were ordered, reflecting the confidence of shipowners and investors amid continued strong demand in the container shipping sector. In addition to the 15,000 TEU ships, 27 additional “smaller” box ships were also ordered, bringing the total order capacity to 866,060 TEU, marking a turnaround for the sector after record low order levels at certain points of 2020. Total container shipping capacity ordered in the first quarter of 2021 has already reached 1,398,000 TEU, a six-year-high compared to previous full years, and up from 995,000 TEU.
