Containerships with capacity of up to 24,000 TEU are technically possible and may soon enter service on Asia-Europe routes, according to German classification society DNV GL, reports South Africa's Freight News.

DNV GL said demand for larger vessels remains strong and the 24,000-TEU design is feasible. However, navigational and infrastructure constraints could hinder deployment.

Limitations include shallow inshore seas, restricted port turning basins, and insufficient crane outreach. Canal draft limits and bridge heights in ports such as Hamburg, Hong Kong and Osaka also pose challenges.

Despite these obstacles, the Korea Ship and Offshore Research Institute is developing a 25 000 TEU vessel, Ship & Bunker reported.