World Maritime News
WMNF 10/12/2025
MSC’s ascent rewrites power balance and risk in container shipping
MSC’s rapid fleet expansion through secondhand purchases and newbuildings has made it the clear leader in container shipping, surpassing Maersk. Over the past five years, MSC added 1.8 million TEU via secondhand ships and has a 2.2 million TEU orderbook, creating a large capacity gap. Competitors are responding with defensive ordering, pushing the global orderbook to 34% of existing fleet capacity, especially for large vessels. This surge risks a new overcapacity cycle, as supply growth (9–10% annually) far outpaces demand growth (2–3%). MSC is also expanding into terminal operations, with plans to acquire Hutchison Ports’ non-China assets, challenging long-standing leaders like PSA and DP World.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Reaching net zero will take more than just the IMO, says LR’s Brown
Shipping cannot achieve net zero alone, says Lloyd’s Register CEO Nick Brown. IMO regulations are insufficient because decarbonizing maritime requires trillions of dollars and global cooperation across governments, consumers, and other heavy industries. Green fuels like hydrogen are too costly without demand from sectors such as steelmaking. Shipping’s reliance on residual fuel will persist as long as crude oil demand remains high. While technical progress on alternative fuels is significant, economic viability and systemic energy transition are the real challenges.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Industry still confused on FuelEU penalties
The shipping industry faces uncertainty over who pays FuelEU Maritime penalties as the first reporting period ends. BIMCO’s model clause guides contracts, but variations create risks: owners may bear penalties or extend credit to charterers, while timing of payments and valuation of compliance surpluses remain unresolved. Consecutive-year non-compliance adds a 10% multiplier, complicating liability across charterers. Clear agreements on responsibility, payment timing, and penalty handling are urgently needed.
Read more: Lloyd’s List
Who should pay for shipping’s efficiency drive?
With zero-emission fuels still uncertain, energy-saving devices are gaining attention for delivering immediate fuel savings. However, these devices are costly, and shipowners struggle to see returns on their investments. Owners seek premiums for greener ships, but without a system for end customers to pay for lifecycle emissions, charterers cannot justify higher rates. Long-term charter agreements and market-based mechanisms—such as carbon pricing—are seen as essential to create a level playing field and incentivize efficiency investments under the “polluter pays” principle.
Read more: Lloyd’s List