Shipping is the backbone of global trade, and nothing represents it better than the largest cargo ship containers crossing our oceans every day.
These mega vessels are engineering giants, carrying thousands of containers filled with goods that keep the world connected.
From everyday products to massive industrial supplies, they move it all. If you’ve ever wondered which ships rule the seas, you’re in the right place.
I’m here to guide you through the largest cargo ship containers, including the iconic Evergreen ship that made headlines worldwide.
The Largest Cargo Ships in the World
The largest cargo ships in the world are:
1. HMM Algeciras – The Current Largest Cargo Ship
The HMM Algeciras is often called the largest cargo ship in the world.
Built in South Korea, it can carry up to 23,964 TEU (Twenty–foot Equivalent Units), which means almost 24,000 standard shipping containers.
This ship is about 400 meters long and 61 meters wide, roughly the size of four football fields.
It mostly sails between Asia and Europe, carrying electronics, clothing, and cars.
Thanks to its modern design, the HMM Algeciras uses fuel more efficiently, helping reduce pollution while moving massive amounts of goods across oceans.
2. HMM Oslo
The HMM Oslo is part of the same family of mega-ships as the Algeciras.
It can carry 23,820 TEU, making it one of the largest cargo ships in the world.
At 400 meters long and 61.5 meters wide, it’s built to handle some of the busiest shipping routes on Earth.
The Oslo is equipped with eco-friendly technology to cut down on emissions. It mainly connects Asia to Europe, moving everything from food to household items.
Its size shows how shipping companies are building bigger vessels to keep up with growing trade demands.
3. Ever Ace – Evergreen’s Largest Cargo Ship
The Ever Ace is the biggest Evergreen ship and one of the largest cargo ships in the world.
It has a capacity of 23,992 TEU, making it even larger than the MSC Gülsün.
At 400 meters long and 61.5 meters wide, it’s a floating city on the ocean. Launched in 2021, the Ever Ace is built with fuel-efficient engines and advanced systems to reduce its environmental impact.
As part of Evergreen Marine’s fleet, it represents the company’s move toward dominating the mega-ship industry.
4. HMM Copenhagen
The HMM Copenhagen also belongs to the HMM fleet and can carry 23,756 TEU containers.
Just like its sister ships, it stretches close to 400 meters in length. This mega vessel is part of the push by HMM to become a leader in large-scale shipping.
It’s designed to save fuel and lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it better for the environment.
The ship travels long international routes, helping connect Asia with Europe.
The HMM Copenhagen is proof that the race to build the largest cargo ship is still going strong.
5. MSC Gülsün
The MSC Gülsün made history in 2019 as the first cargo ship to cross the 23,000 TEU mark.
It can carry 23,756 containers and is 400 meters long with a width of 61.5 meters. Built in South Korea, this mega ship belongs to the Mediterranean Shipping Company.
It is equipped with energy-saving systems and improved safety features. The MSC Gülsün sails mostly between Europe and Asia, transporting massive amounts of goods.
Although newer ships are slightly larger now, it remains one of the most important names in the world of shipping.
6. MSC Mina
The MSC Mina is another giant from the Mediterranean Shipping Company.
With a capacity of 23,656 TEU, it’s almost as large as the MSC Gülsün.
The ship is about 400 meters long and can carry a huge range of products, from electronics to raw materials.
It travels on global routes, linking Asia with Europe and the Middle East.
Designed with modern fuel-saving features, the MSC Mina helps cut shipping costs and reduce pollution. It proves how the largest cargo ships can be both powerful and more environmentally responsible.
7. MSC Isabella
The MSC Isabella is one of the largest cargo ships, with space for 23,656 TEU containers.
It is part of the Gülsün-class ships owned by MSC. At nearly 400 meters long, it’s a floating giant that connects major global trade routes.
The ship is fitted with new technology that helps it burn less fuel and cut emissions.
The MSC Isabella is often used to transport huge volumes of goods like vehicles, clothing, and raw materials.
It shows how important mega ships are for keeping worldwide trade fast and efficient.
8. MSC Arina
The MSC Arina is another member of MSC’s impressive fleet, holding 23,756 TEU.
Like its sister ships, it is 400 meters long and 61.5 meters wide, with space for thousands of containers stacked high above its deck.
This ship is used to move large amounts of goods across the busiest shipping routes.
Built with modern engineering designs, the MSC Arina reduces fuel use and lowers its carbon footprint.
It stands as one of the largest cargo ships sailing today and highlights MSC’s commitment to global trade growth.
9. MSC Samar
The MSC Samar can carry 23,656 TEU, placing it among the largest cargo ships in service.
It measures about 400 meters in length and is part of MSC’s growing collection of mega-ships.
This vessel supports trade between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, moving everything from building materials to consumer goods.
Like other modern ships, it includes eco-friendly designs to save energy and reduce pollution.
The MSC Samar is a true workhorse, built to meet the ever-increasing demand for shipping goods worldwide.
10. Ever Given – The Famous Evergreen Ship
The Ever Given, another massive Evergreen ship, is one of the most well-known vessels in the world.
It can carry 20,124 TEU containers and measures 400 meters long. This ship became famous in 2021 when it accidentally blocked the Suez Canal, stopping global trade for nearly a week.
Even though it is not the very largest ship today, its size and impact on world trade made it unforgettable.
The Ever Given shows both the power and challenges of managing the largest cargo ships on narrow shipping routes.
11. CMA CGM Jacques Saadé
The CMA CGM Jacques Saadé is a groundbreaking mega-ship with a capacity of 23,000 TEU.
What makes it unique is that it’s the largest cargo ship powered entirely by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
At 400 meters long, it reduces harmful emissions compared to traditional fuel-powered ships.
Owned by the French company CMA CGM, the Jacques Saadé connects Asia to Europe and is a step forward in eco-friendly shipping.
This ship proves that future cargo giants can focus on both size and sustainability at the same time.
12. CMA CGM Champs Elysées
The CMA CGM Champs Elysées is another LNG-powered cargo giant with a capacity of 23,000 TEU.
It measures nearly 400 meters in length and is designed to reduce carbon emissions.
The ship sails on major international trade routes, carrying goods between Europe and Asia.
By using cleaner fuel, the Champs Elysées shows how the shipping industry is moving toward greener solutions.
It stands as one of the most advanced ships in the world, combining the size of the largest cargo ship with eco-friendly technology for the future.
13. OOCL Hong Kong
The OOCL Hong Kong made history in 2017 as the first ship to hold more than 21,000 TEU containers.
Measuring 399.87 meters long and 58.8 meters wide, it was once the record holder for the largest cargo ship.
Operated by Orient Overseas Container Line, it mainly travels the busy Asia-Europe trade route.
The ship carries everything from electronics to cars, showing how global trade depends on massive vessels.
While it has been overtaken in size by newer ships, the OOCL Hong Kong remains an important milestone in shipping history.
14. COSCO Shipping Universe
The COSCO Shipping Universe is the largest cargo ship operated by China.
With a capacity of 21,237 TEU, it stretches 400 meters long and 58.6 meters wide. Built in China, it is a powerful symbol of the country’s role in global trade.
This ship sails across major international routes, linking Asia with Europe and other continents.
It is also designed with energy-efficient engines to cut fuel use and reduce emissions.
The COSCO Shipping Universe shows how nations are competing to build the biggest and most advanced cargo ships.
15. Madrid Maersk
The Madrid Maersk is part of the Triple-E class of ships owned by Maersk, one of the world’s biggest shipping companies.
With a capacity of 20,568 TEU, it was one of the largest cargo ships when it was launched in 2017.
The ship measures 399 meters in length and 58.6 meters wide. It is designed for energy efficiency, cutting fuel use and greenhouse gases.
The Madrid Maersk mainly sails between Asia and Europe, transporting huge amounts of goods.
It shows Maersk’s long-standing role in leading the global shipping industry.
Conclusion
The story of the largest cargo ship is more than just about size – it’s about how global trade works today.
From the HMM Algeciras to Evergreen’s famous Ever Ace and Ever Given, these ships carry thousands of containers filled with goods we rely on daily.
They are floating cities built with advanced technology to be stronger, faster, and more efficient.
As the shipping industry moves forward, the focus will shift toward cleaner fuels and smarter designs. The largest cargo ships will keep shaping how the world stays connected.
If you want to learn more about shipping and logistics, read our latest guides and industry updates.
