Top 10 Global Container Shipping Companies Explained
Maritime shipping remains the backbone of international trade. With its low freight costs, wide coverage, and massive capacity per shipment, sea freight accounts for nearly two-thirds of global trade. According to the latest Alphaliner data (June 5), the world operates 6,378 container ships with a combined capacity of 25.67 million TEU, equal to 308 million deadweight tons. Notably, the top three shipping companies control 46.47% of the global market.
In this article, we will explore the world’s top 10 container shipping companies, their fleet sizes, market influence, and unique strengths.
1. Maersk Line (Denmark)
Founded in 1904, Maersk has grown into one of the most recognizable names in global shipping. With over 118 years of history, the company operates not only in container shipping but also in logistics, shipbuilding, and industrial production.
As of 2021, Maersk managed 718 container vessels and had a carrying capacity of 4.3 million TEU. Although Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has recently surpassed Maersk, the Danish carrier remains a global leader with unmatched experience and network coverage.
2. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC, Switzerland)
Founded in 1970, MSC has rapidly expanded to become the world’s largest container shipping company. Headquartered in Geneva, MSC operates 730 vessels with a total capacity of 4.3 million TEU.
The company serves 155 countries, manages 675 offices, and runs 260 trade routes, transporting 23 million containers annually. Moreover, MSC continues aggressive expansion by acquiring both new and second-hand vessels, strengthening its dominance alongside Maersk.
3. CMA CGM (France)
Headquartered in Marseille and founded in 1978, CMA CGM is the third-largest container carrier in the world. It operates across 150 countries, covering 420 ports with over 200 shipping routes.
The French shipping giant manages 542 vessels with a total capacity of 3.2 million TEU. Although its rates are slightly higher, many shippers still prefer CMA CGM because of its FOB cargo expertise and extensive Mediterranean coverage.
4. COSCO Shipping (China)
COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Company) is the largest shipping company in China and a state-owned enterprise. It holds significant stakes in several global ports, including Seattle Terminal 30 in the United States.
Its fleet consists of 497 container ships with a combined capacity of 2.9 million TEU. Beyond container shipping, COSCO also operates bulk carriers, oil tankers, and specialized vessels, making it a diversified maritime powerhouse.
5. Hapag-Lloyd (Germany)
Formed in 1970 through the merger of Hapag and North German Lloyd, Hapag-Lloyd is headquartered in Hamburg. The carrier employs 14,000 staff, operates in 137 countries, and manages 418 offices worldwide.
With 259 container ships and a total capacity of 1.7 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd ranks among the most reliable shipping companies in Europe and beyond.
6. Ocean Network Express (ONE, Japan)
ONE was established in 2018 as a joint venture between Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Nippon Yusen Kaisha. The company is headquartered in both Tokyo and Singapore.
Its ships are easily recognizable by their vibrant magenta color, symbolizing Japan’s cherry blossoms. With 218 container ships and a carrying capacity of 1.5 million TEU, ONE has quickly secured a top position in the global shipping industry.
7. Evergreen Marine (Taiwan)
Founded in Taipei, Evergreen gained worldwide attention in 2021 when its vessel, the Ever Given, blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week. Despite this incident, Evergreen remains a trusted global carrier.
The company operates across 80 countries, serving 240 ports, and owns multiple container terminals in Kaohsiung, Panama, and Italy. Evergreen’s fleet includes 201 ships with a total capacity of 1.5 million TEU.
8. HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine, South Korea)
Established in 1976, HMM is South Korea’s largest container shipping company, headquartered in Seoul. The carrier plays a critical role in Korea’s export-driven economy.
HMM owns the world’s second-largest container vessel, the HMM Algeciras, with a capacity of 23,964 TEU. In total, the company operates 79 vessels with a combined capacity of 800,000 TEU.
9. Yang Ming Marine Transport (Taiwan)
Yang Ming was founded in 1972 and is based in Keelung, Taiwan. Its history can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty through its predecessor, the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company.
Today, Yang Ming operates in more than 70 countries, offering container shipping, bulk transport, logistics, and terminal operations. The company owns 87 ships with a total capacity of 700,000 TEU.
10. Wan Hai Lines (Taiwan)
Founded in 1965, Wan Hai began by transporting logs between Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Over the years, it shifted its focus to container shipping, which now accounts for nearly 90% of its revenue.
Wan Hai operates 146 vessels with a total carrying capacity of 400,000 TEU. It also manages dedicated container terminals in Taiwan’s major ports, ensuring strong regional dominance.
Conclusion
The top 10 global container shipping companies control nearly half of the world’s maritime trade. From Maersk and MSC’s mega fleets to regional specialists like Wan Hai, these companies shape the future of international shipping.
With growing demand for efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable sea freight, the role of these carriers will only expand further. Businesses that partner with these global leaders gain access to extensive networks, advanced logistics solutions, and reliable shipping capacity.
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