MSC Reaches 7 Million TEU Fleet Milestone Amid Strategic Expansion and Operational Challenges

MSC Achieves 7 Million TEU Fleet Capacity

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has become the first container shipping carrier to reach 7 million TEU, marking an important achievement in its expansion strategy. MSC achieved this landmark through an aggressive acquisition program which added 1.8 million TEU of capacity through purchasing of 470 pre-owned vessels over recent months.

MSC's fleet expansion has cemented MSC as the global container shipping leader, far outstripping even its closest competitors. Industry analysts, however, have expressed serious reservations over MSC's rapid capacity growth on market dynamics and freight rate sustainability.

Mali Services Suspended Due to Security and Fuel Crisis

MSC Cargo Services announced on November 6, 2025, an immediate suspension of cargo services to and from Mali, effective immediately, citing serious operational difficulties due to fuel shortages and increasing security threats. This decision prohibits new bookings for Mali-bound cargo at all ports such as Abidjan, Dakar, Tema Lome Conakry.

This suspension results from a two-month blockade instituted by al-Qaeda-affiliated militant group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), which has severely disrupted fuel supplies to Mali. Convoys carrying fuel tankers have faced repeated attacks while trying to reach Bamako; further crippling transportation infrastructure and increasing pressure on Mali's military-led government.

MSC announced on November 6, 2025, for cargo accepted prior to this date, they would either deliver it directly to its contracted port of discharge, hold them ashore or afloat until transport resumes, or store it at another location at merchant cost. Road transport into Mali has been suspended temporarily while CMA CGM reported similar disruptions but changed their earlier suspension decision after speaking with Mali's transport ministry.

Freight Rates on Asia-Europe Routes Rise Sharply This December

MSC recently unveiled new freight rates effective December 15 through December 31 2025 that demonstrate significant increases across key Asia-to-Europe trade lanes. Far East ports to West Mediterranean and Adriatic destinations experienced rates increase of USD 3,750 per TEU for 40-foot containers, up from USD 3,650 in November; East Mediterranean rates went from USD 3,500 per TEU up to 4,400 and Black Sea increased from 3,600 per TEU up to 4,750.

North Africa routes saw significant rate increases as well, with Algeria rates reaching USD 6,950 per TEU; Libya saw rates reach USD 6,350 per TEU; Morocco reached 5,350 per TEU, and Tunisia saw rates reach USD 6,150 per TEU. Adjustments include the Global Fuel Surcharge of USD 79 per TEU through December 2025 as well as Carbon Review Surcharge ranging between 57 to 85 USD depending on destination region.

Fleet Expansion Raise Market Concentration Concerns

Industry analysts have expressed concerns that MSC's rapid fleet expansion could cause serious market imbalances. Linerlytica reported that MSC's acquisition strategy has taken approximately 25 percent of available ships out of charter market, leading to higher asset and charter rates across all vessel size segments; Panamax vessels are being fixed through end-2026 while larger ships (5,000 TEU and above) have commitments until 2027 positions.

MSC's dominance of capacity has increased entry barriers for smaller operators and created an uneven competitive environment. When its record orderbook begins delivery in 2027 and 2028, this gap should widen further; industry observers warn that should insufficient cargo volume emerge to absorb this additional tonnage, freight rates may decline significantly.