The month of August brings us an interesting battle for the global leadership in container shipping, according to a study by Alphaliner. These companies are responsible for keeping the world’s supply chains moving, delivering goods across oceans, and connecting economies. Below, we review them:
MSC
Mediterranean Shipping Company stands unchallenged at the top of this ranking of container shipping companies. It holds 20.8% of the global market and a total of 133 ships, demonstrating the company’s determination to maintain its dominance in the future.
Maersk
In second place in this ranking is Maersk, which holds 14.2% of the global container fleet. Maersk continues to strengthen its position with 49 ships, heavily investing in integrated logistics solutions and sustainable maritime transport technology.
CMA-CGM
It ranks third among the top container shipping companies with a 12.3% market share. With a total of 94 ships, it demonstrates a bold growth strategy aimed at boosting capacity and expanding its global service network.
COSCO Shipping
China’s maritime force occupies the fourth position in this ranking and currently represents 10.5% of the global fleet. COSCO remains a key player in connecting Asia with major trade routes worldwide.
Hapag-Lloyd
With a fleet of 31 ships and a 7.4% market share, Hapag-Lloyd ranks fifth. The company stands out for its balanced approach to expansion, emphasizing efficiency and service quality.
ONE and Evergreen
Closing the ranking in sixth place are ONE and Evergreen in this list of global container shipping companies. Ocean Network Express holds a 6.4% market share and has 49 ships on order. Evergreen has similar numbers but ranks slightly lower with a 5.7% market share. Both companies are strategically expanding to strengthen their competitive positions in the Asia-Pacific market.
In addition to these six companies, there are a couple of emerging players that have grown significantly in recent years and are now making their mark among the top six. These include HMM, the Israeli carrier ZIM, and Taiwan Area, China’s Yang Ming. All three continue to influence specialized markets and regional trade lanes.