Container Ship Orders and Deliveries Slow Down in July 2026

Container ship orders and deliveries have experienced an unusual slowdown in recent weeks, with only a dozen newly built vessels delivered so far in July, according to Alphaliner. "During the same period, shipowners and shipping companies added 25 new orders (138,000 TEU) to the global fleet order book. This figure is significantly lower than in June, when Alphaliner recorded no less than 90 new construction contracts, equivalent to 624,000 TEU," the consultant specified. "Technically, July's figures would be even lower were it not for six 13,000 TEU vessels that Yang Ming ordered from Hanwha Ocean. Alphaliner counts these vessels as orders, although it is unclear whether the final contracts have been signed yet or not," it added. In line with the above, the entity pointed out that Yang Ming and the shipyard are still negotiating some details, but the shipping company informed the Taiwan Stock Exchange that the construction "projects" had already been agreed upon with Hanwha. "The current slowdown could be due to a summer break, with many high-level executives out of their offices; however, it could also indicate that the massive wave of orders in recent months will soon come to an end," Alphaliner emphasized. Despite this, the consultant expects ordering to continue, albeit at a much more moderate pace. "Especially the segment of over 6,000 TEU could lead to some additional deals, most of which are expected to come to light later in the third quarter," it noted. "At the same time, the ultra-large vessel category could still yield some surprises, as Alphaliner understands that some ocean carriers are still exploring projects for gigantomachia or jumbo vessels," the entity expanded. "Nevertheless, there seems to be little rush to finalize any of these deals in the short term; however, such new construction projects could translate into firm orders later in 2026. Deliveries of this type of vessel would probably only take place from 2030," it complemented. Meanwhile, newbuilding prices are generally moving sideways, which is why Alphaliner expects vessel prices to have peaked. "With an already abundant order book, shipping companies in particular may be increasingly unwilling to pay premiums for early deliveries," it concluded.