X-Press expands its leadership position as the largest feeder operator globally
2 weeks ago
X-Press expands its leadership position as the largest feeder operator globally
X-Press Feeders has solidified its lead over its primary competitor, Unifeeder, establishing itself as the largest common feeder operator in the world.
Based in Singapore and ranked 13th in the Alphaliner Top 100, X-Press has expanded its fleet by an impressive 21.8%, adding 35,000 TEUs since October 2023. In comparison, the global liner fleet grew by 11% during the same timeframe.
Unifeeder, currently ranked 17th, has increased its fleet capacity by 23,000 TEUs, reflecting a growth rate of 18%.
Both companies have capitalized on the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which has led many mainline operators to reroute and rely on third-party feeder services. This shift has resulted in increased short-sea traffic, particularly benefiting X-Press in Middle East and Indian Subcontinent trades, while Unimed Feeder Services, Unifeeder's intra-Mediterranean affiliate, sees similar gains.
Unifeeder operates on an asset-light model, fully depending on the charter market for its vessel requirements. In contrast, X-Press Feeders boasts a fleet where 59% of the ships are owned, down from 62% in October 2023.
Additionally, Sea Consortium, X-Press Feeders’ parent company, has a significant order book totaling 77,000 TEUs, accounting for 40% of its existing fleet. This includes six new 11,000 TEU container vessels slated for delivery in 2027 and 2028, which will become the largest in X-Press’ fleet.
Both Sea Consortium and X-Press Feeders are leaders in the adoption of methanol-powered vessels, having already received seven environmentally friendly 1,770 TEU ships.
Source: DailyFT