The global container shipping industry experienced a pivotal July 2025, marked by accelerating green fuel adoption, significant fleet capacity adjustments, robust second-hand vessel sales, and evolving regional market dynamics, according to a recent analysis by Alphaliner. The month’s developments provided crucial insights into both the short-term market trajectory and the long-term strategic shifts within the sector.
A major highlight of July was the continued momentum in the adoption of methanol-powered vessels. COSCO SHIPPING Group emerged as the latest industry giant to deploy large methanol-fueled mainline ships, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Maersk, HMM, and CMA CGM. The maiden voyage of the COSCO SHIPPING YANGPU signified China’s inaugural step into large-scale methanol propulsion for deep-sea services, approximately 18 months after Maersk’s ANE MAERSK first set sail. With four of the world’s top ten carriers now actively operating methanol-capable mainliners, the industry’s commitment to alternative fuels is undeniable. However, challenges persist, including methanol’s lower energy density and the critical need for a substantial expansion of truly “green” methanol supply chains to meet future demand and carbon reduction targets.
In terms of fleet capacity, the global cellular container fleet saw a modest 3.8% increase, or 1.18 million TEU, during the first half of 2025. This growth was predominantly driven by MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, which expanded its fleet by over 365,000 TEU since January through a combination of newbuilding deliveries and strategic second-hand acquisitions. This aggressive expansion has further widened MSC’s lead over Maersk to nearly 2.1 million TEU, a gap equivalent to the entire fleet of Ocean Network Express (ONE), currently the world’s sixth-largest carrier.
Conversely, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services stood out as the only top-10 carrier to reduce its capacity during the same period. Despite MSC’s substantial absolute growth, ONE recorded the highest percentage growth in the first half of 2025, with a 5.9% increase, surpassing MSC’s 5.5% and HMM’s 5.1%.
July’s activity underscores a dynamic period for container shipping, with carriers balancing ambitious decarbonization goals against ongoing fleet optimization and competitive market positioning. The continued investment in green technologies and strategic capacity management will be key determinants of the industry’s future landscape.
