Global container shipping market sees a sharp rise in orders for small- and mid-sized container vessels (1,800–4,500 TEU) in 2025, driven by demand for flexible feeder and regional trade routes from Non-Vessel Operators.
The global container shipbuilding market is witnessing a notable shift — orders for small and medium container vessels are rising sharply, as Non-Vessel Operators (NVOs) increasingly charter or own such ships to serve regional and feeder trade lanes.
✅ Why Smaller Ships Are Gaining Favor
-
The shipping line Hapag-Lloyd is set to receive 22 new container vessels with capacities between 1,800 and 4,500 TEU, replacing older ships in this segment.
-
For intra-region trade, short-haul routes, and feeder operations connecting smaller ports, small and medium vessels offer cost-effective and operational flexibility compared with ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).
🌍 Market Dynamics & Supply-Chain Shifts
-
Global supply-chain reconfigurations, shifting production bases, and stronger intra-Asia / regional demand are driving the need for flexible container capacity rather than sheer volume.
-
Independent shipowners and NVOs in Asia — including Vietnam — are expanding their fleets to capture growth in regional trade and to reduce dependency on mega-ships and major trans-ocean routes.
⚠️ Supply vs Demand: Watch Out for Overcapacity
-
Even with rising orders for new container vessels, analysts warn that overcapacity may emerge if ship supply outpaces container cargo growth.
-
Hence, many of these orders are part of long-term strategic adjustments: prioritizing flexibility, regional coverage, and operational resilience over fast expansion.
📈 Implications for Shipping & Logistics in Southeast Asia
This trend opens up significant opportunities for ports, feeder services, forwarders, and logistics providers across Southeast Asia:
-
Improved connectivity for smaller ports and regional shipping routes
-
Lower transportation costs and faster transits for intra-Asia and regional trade
-
More adaptable and competitive logistics solutions for exporters, importers, and domestic shipping
Source: vnexpress
Need solutions for import-export, international transport, customs, and logistics? VNFT Logistics delivers fast, accurate, and cost-efficient services, ensuring your goods arrive on time – at the right place – as promised.
🚢 Ocean Freight | ✈️ Air Freight | 📑 Customs Brokerage | 🚚 Domestic Transport | 🏢 Warehousing | 🌎 Global Solutions
📞 Hotline: +84 938 690 680 or +84 769 772 369
📧 Email: bod@vnftgroup.com
📍 Address: 178/11 Nguyen Van Thuong street, Thanh My Tay ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
✨ VNFT Logistics – Not just transportation, but creating value for Vietnamese brands on the global stage. ✨
#VNFTLogistics #importexport #customs #logistics #globalfreight #VietnamBrand
