MSC carries on both shoulders
Recently, Alphaliner pointed out that MSC is currently investing heavily in used vessels instead of newbuilds. In its race with Maersk over the title of the biggest global carrier, MSC has spent over a quarter of a billion dollars on second-hand container vessels.
Based on the declared and estimated prices for the 16 units acquired over the last four months, the carrier's investment is estimated at USD 260 million since summer 2020.
In combination, these vessel acquisitions and MSC's order book of 118,000 teu, MSC has drawn closer in size to 2M partner Maersk, which has a fleet capacity of 4.1 million teu and is just some 125,000 teu ahead. The question remains whether quantity will be decisive in today's competition at the end of the day. (cd)