Some $12.5bn has been invested in containership newbuilding orders so far this year, around 49% more than was invested in the whole of 2010, according to Clarksons Research Services.
It estimates that if current trends persist, total investment in new containerships for the full year may exceed 2008 levels by around one-third.
Clarksons estimates that some 116 ships of a combined 859,690 teu were ordered in the first five months of the year.
That includes 23 vessels of a combined 183,000 teu contracted in May, mostly for larger vessels of over 8,000 teu.
It adds that one notable difference from previous years is that current orders are mostly for larger vessels.
It notes that ships of 8,000 teu and over make up 74% of the boxship capacity ordered this year, as compared with just 43% in 2008.