Global container ship orders have surged, with 294 vessels totalling 2.7 million TEU contracted in the first eight months of 2025, driven by expectations of a major scrapping wave, reports London’s Riviera Maritime Media.
Clarksons Research said in its September World Shipyard Monitor that box ship tonnage ordered this year is double the 10-year average. Larger vessels continue to dominate, but feeder ship orders have risen year-on-year, with more contracts signed since early September.
BRL (Builder’s Risk Liability) Weekly Newbuilding Contracts echoed the trend, noting a sharp rise in feeder vessel orders. It said most contracts are for feeders, with exercised options typically confirmed within two to four weeks to avoid losing berth slots.
BRL attributed the surge to owners anticipating a “massive scrapping programme” for older ships. While the consultancy said scrapping may be delayed by market instability, it warned the process is inevitable and is fuelling demand for newbuilds.
The consultancy said the trend is benefiting small and medium shipyards, which are seeing increased business. It cited South Korea’s HMM as an example, with the company negotiating to order 10 or more feeder ships from a Chinese yard.
BRL said HMM is considering vessels of 1,900 TEU and 3,000 TEU, and is leaning towards China due to a reported 20 per cent pricing gap. Although no deal has been finalised, BRL said an order would not be surprising in the current competitive market.
