Did you know that the biggest cargo ships in 2025 are so massive that they surpass the height of the Empire State Building when standing on end? Currently, the MSC Irina holds the world record as the largest container ship, with an astonishing capacity of 24,346 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).
International shipping accounts for approximately 90% of global trade in goods, with Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) leading the maritime transportation revolution. These giants of the sea, classified as ships exceeding 23,000 TEUs, are transforming container logistics through advanced technologies. The OOCL Spain, for example, received the “Smart Ship” notation from the American Bureau of Shipping for its innovative use of technology to improve operations, fuel efficiency, and safety standards.
While these vessels continue to grow in size and sophistication, they also deliver environmental benefits by reducing CO₂ emissions per ton of cargo. As you explore this article, you’ll discover fascinating facts about these engineering marvels and what the future might hold.
The Biggest Cargo Ships in 2025 by Size and Capacity
The maritime industry continues to push boundaries with increasingly massive vessels. As of 2025, the MSC Irina Class reigns supreme among container ships, boasting an impressive capacity of 24,346 TEUs. These behemoths measure 399.9 meters (1,312 feet) in length—longer than four football fields placed end to end.
Close competitors include the OOCL Spain Class(24,188 TEUs) and ONE Innovation Class (24,136 TEUs), both highlighting the fierce competition in maritime engineering. Most Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) feature a beam width of approximately 61.3–61.5 meters (201 feet), allowing them to stack containers up to 25 high on deck.
Furthermore, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) leads the global shipping industry with a fleet capacity exceeding 5.2 million TEUs, covering over 500 ports worldwide. The company operates six vessels in the record-holding Irina Class, all flagged under Liberia.
Modern container ships are classified by size: from smaller Feeders (up to 1,000 TEUs) to massive Megamax vessels (exceeding 20,000 TEUs). These classifications determine which waterways they can navigate—for instance, vessels exceeding 17,640 TEUs cannot pass through the Panama Canal.
Consequently, these engineering marvels represent the pinnacle of container logistics, demanding sophisticated load planning software to maximize efficiency.
| Rank | Ship | Capacity (TEU) | Operator / Country |
| 1. | MSC Irina Class | 24,346 TEU | MSC – Switzerland (flagged Liberia) |
| 2. | OOCL Spain | 24,188 TEU | OOCL – Hong Kong |
| 3. | ONE Innovation | 24,136 TEU | ONE – Japan |
| 4. | MSC Tessa | 24,116 TEU | MSC – Switzerland (flagged Liberia) |
| 5. | Ever Alot | 24,004 TEU | Evergreen – Taiwan |
Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About the Biggest Ships
Beyond their immense size, the biggest cargo ships harbor fascinating secrets. The evolution has been remarkable—what began as 4,000 TEU Panamax ships in the 1970s has grown into vessels carrying over 24,000 TEUs today.
The price tag for constructing these maritime giants exceeds $200 million per vessel. To put this in perspective, that’s more than four times the GDP of Tuvalu.
Despite their enormous capacity, these vessels face significant infrastructure limitations. Currently, only about 20 ports worldwide can accommodate ships with capacities of 19,000 TEUs or more. These select ports include Shanghai, Rotterdam, Singapore, and Hamburg.
What happens at these ports is equally surprising. A typical call can last between 36 and 60 hours, creating intense operational peaks that challenge port resources.
On the bridge, captains rely on sophisticated technology, including radar, electronic chart display systems, and automatic identification systems that transmit the ship’s details to other vessels and port authorities.
Ironically, most crew members have no idea what cargo they’re actually transporting. This anonymity extends to security—despite regulations, customs officials attempting to scan all U.S.-bound containers from just one Hong Kong terminal managed to inspect only 5%.
Additionally, these vessels incorporate innovative environmental solutions such as air lubrication systems that minimize drag and systems that repurpose waste heat for onboard electricity.
What the Future Holds for Ultra Large Container Vessels
The landscape for Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) is shifting. Rather than continuing the trend toward ever-larger ships, many shipping companies are now ordering more versatile 12,000–17,000 TEU vessels instead of giants exceeding 24,000 TEUs. This pivot reflects changing global trade dynamics, with production spreading beyond China to countries like India and Vietnam.
Wind propulsion technology is also gaining momentum. The WindWings® system, for example, has demonstrated reductions in engine energy consumption of up to 32% per nautical mile under favorable conditions, with installations planned for 20 new vessels in 2025 and beyond.
Insurance concerns, however, are mounting since salvage techniques remain largely untested on vessels above 20,000 TEUs. Wreck removal can now cost more than $500 million, with environmental restoration demands driving these expenses even higher.
At the same time, onboard carbon capture technology could reduce emissions from bulkers, tankers, and container ships by up to 19%. Yet port infrastructure limitations remain a significant barrier, requiring deep-water channels, expanded berths, and enormous cranes to accommodate the largest vessels.
Ultimately, the future points toward smarter deployment rather than sheer size. The shipping industry is prioritizing flexibility and resilience over the “bigger is better” mindset, particularly as geopolitical risks persist and environmental regulations tighten. This strategic shift suggests that a more balanced approach to vessel size will define the coming years.
Conclusion
The world’s largest cargo ships, led by the MSC Irina Class at 24,346 TEUs, showcase both the achievements and limits of maritime engineering. With construction costs exceeding $200 million and only about 20 ports able to handle vessels above 19,000 TEUs, infrastructure and economics are pushing the industry toward more versatile 12,000–17,000 TEU ships. Environmental innovations like WindWings® and onboard carbon capture promise fuel savings and emissions cuts, yet challenges remain. As global trade shifts toward greater flexibility and resilience, the future of shipping lies not in building ever-bigger giants, but in creating adaptable vessels that balance scale, efficiency, and sustainability.
Sources:
- https://www.easycargo3d.com/en/
- https://www.ship-technology.com/features/the-top-10-largest-container-ships-in-the-world/
- https://www.gocomet.com/blog/top-20-largest-container-ships-in-the-world/
- https://scf.com.au/news-articles/largest-shipping-container-ships/
- https://piernext.portdebarcelona.cat/en/economy/the-worlds-largest-container-ships-do-they-have-a-future/
