CHINA Shipping Container Lines Co, the country's second-biggest shipper, has ordered the world's biggest container ship, taking over the title from AP Moeller-Maersk A/S.

Hyundai Heavy Industries Co will build five vessels each capable of carrying 18,400 20-foot containers for US$700 million for China Shipping, the South Korea-based company said in an e-mailed statement yesterday. Delivery will start in the second half of 2014.

Shipping lines, including Maersk and Evergreen Group, are adding bigger vessels that burn less fuel and have lower emissions to reduce costs.

Maersk next month will take delivery of the world's biggest container ship, which can carry 18,000 boxes, from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co.

The ships Hyundai Heavy will deliver to China Shipping will use an engine that can automatically control fuel consumption to suit speed and sea conditions, helping improve fuel efficiency, reduce noise and cut emissions.