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MSC’s secondhand fleet frenzy hits 461 ships
Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), the world’s largest container carrier, has reached a new milestone in its aggressive secondhand buying campaign. According to Alphaliner, the Geneva-based giant has now acquired 461 used containerships since August 2020 — a figure described as “mind-blowing” for the global liner sector.
The acquisitions have allowed MSC to grow its operational capacity beyond 7 million TEU, consolidating its dominance in global sea freight. The company’s secondhand expansion has been strategically pursued in parallel with a massive newbuilding program across Asian shipyards.
Recent Ship Acquisitions
MSC’s latest purchases include:
- Atlantica Pioneer (3,651 TEU) – bought from Atlantica Shipping for over $45 million
- Irenes Resolve (3,799 TEU) – acquired from Tsakos Shipping & Trading for $23 million
- Rio Kobe (3,534 TEU) – purchased from Marlow Navigation for $32 million
These vessels, while not new, provide MSC with additional flexibility as it continues to absorb global tonnage once controlled by smaller European owners. The Atlantica Pioneer deal marks the complete exit of Norway’s Atlantica Shipping from the container segment.
MSC’s Expanding Orderbook
Beyond its vast secondhand fleet, MSC remains one of the busiest clients at shipyards across Asia. Alphaliner data shows 123 newbuild vessels on order, totalling over 2.1 million TEU in additional capacity.
This dual strategy — combining secondhand acquisitions with a record-breaking newbuilding program — highlights MSC’s ambition to reinforce its position as the undisputed leader in containerized sea freight.
