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Ultra-Large Container Ships: The Surge, Challenges, and Future Outlook

The Rise of the Ultra-Large Container Ships

In recent years, there's been a notable surge in the size and number of ultra-large container ships (ULCS), those exceeding 16,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). As of late 2023, these behemoths have become the dominating force in global maritime logistics, especially on Asia-to-Europe routes. Analyzing recent trends and port infrastructure capabilities reveals a complex landscape driven by efficiency, economies of scale, and geopolitical factors.