There are now 112 containerships of 12,000 TEU and above on order with a total capacity of 1.3 million TEU, including 45 newbuildings that are scheduled to join the global fleet this year, according to a report by brokers Banchero Costa.

"Ordering very large container vessels has become a race between the different container lines over which line holds the biggest vessel," the report said.

Last week MOL placed an order for four 20,150-TEUers to be built by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), reported Seatrade Global of Colchester, England.

"The main argument in favour of these vessels is the economies of scale achieved. However, there are concerns over the ability of liner companies to fill these vessels," Banchero Costa said.