Top 10 Largest Container Shipping Companies in the World

Shipping companies that operate large fleets are essential to the global economy, ensuring that products from all corners of the world reach their destinations. As of May 2025, the global container shipping industry is projected to reach a market size of USD 119.65 billion, with an expected growth rate of 3.11% CAGR through 2030. 

The top 10 shipping companies control a significant portion of this market, influencing global trade routes, freight rates, and service offerings. For many Indian SMEs involved in international trade, managing the complexities of global shipping, such as choosing the right partners and keeping up with changing regulations, can feel overwhelming. You're not alone; these challenges are common, and understanding the biggest players is key to confidently managing your logistics.

This blog will examine the top 10 shipping companies in the world, providing an overview of their market share, fleet size, and financial performance. It will also explain the container shipping sector and its impact on global trade.

Introduction to the Global Shipping Industry

The container shipping industry is essential for global trade, handling the majority of the world’s goods. Standardized containers have completely changed logistics by simplifying loading, unloading, and transportation. 

Today, containerized shipping accounts for approximately 80% of global trade by volume, facilitating the efficient transportation of a diverse range of products worldwide. Container ships can carry tens of thousands of containers at a time, making them a crucial element of the global supply chain.

Major players in the container shipping industry, such as MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM, dominate the global market, influencing trade routes, shipping costs, and capacity. These top 10 shipping companies play a crucial role in shaping international trade patterns and the broader shipping sector. 

With the global shipping industry in focus, it’s essential to understand the key factors that drive its growth and shape the way goods are transported worldwide.

Interesting Read: Common Types of Containers for Shipping

Key Factors Driving the Container Shipping Market

The container shipping market is driven by several key factors that shape the way goods are transported globally. Global economic growth, technological advancements, and regulatory changes are some of the primary forces at play. The key factors driving the growth are:

• Global Economic Growth: Economic growth in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa, increases demand for goods, prompting the need for more efficient transportation and expanded shipping services.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations such as automation, digitalization, IoT-enabled tracking, and AI for route optimization enhance operational efficiency, speed, and reliability in shipping.
• Environmental Regulations and Sustainability: Rising environmental concerns lead to stricter regulations, pushing shipping companies to adopt greener technologies and eco-friendly practices to reduce emissions and carbon footprints.
• Geopolitical and Trade Dynamics: Political decisions, tariffs, and trade agreements impact shipping patterns and trade routes, requiring companies to adapt to changes in international policies.

Pazago helps businesses manage the container shipping market with tools for real-time tracking, automated route optimization, and sustainability features, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness amid economic, technological, and geopolitical changes.

With a clear understanding of the key factors driving the container shipping market, it’s essential to look at the companies leading the way. Let’s now examine the top 10 largest container shipping companies and their impact on global trade.

Top 10 Largest Container Shipping Companies in the World

The global container shipping market is predominantly shaped by the top 10 companies, which collectively manage a substantial share of the world's container capacity. According to Alphaliner's latest data, these industry leaders are ranked based on their fleet size and TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity, providing a clear picture of their dominance and influence in global trade.

The following table gives the top 10 shipping companies along with their Alphaliner Top 100 rank:

The following are the details of the companies listed in the table above.

1. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

MSC, based in Geneva, Switzerland, was founded in 1970 and has since grown to become the world’s largest container shipping company. The company offers a diverse range of services like container shipping, logistics, port operations, and digital solutions.

MSC is heavily involved in the development of digital platforms for real-time shipment tracking and e-commerce solutions. The company is also committed to sustainability and has been investing in environmentally friendly technologies to reduce its carbon footprint across all operations.

• TEU Capacity: 6,633,717 million TEU
• Market Share: 20.5%
• Fleet Size: 920 vessels

2. MAERSK

Maersk, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, comes second in the top 10 shipping companies in the world. This company is a global leader in container shipping and logistics. Maersk is recognized for its comprehensive logistics services, providing end-to-end solutions that encompass everything from container transport to supply chain management.

The company has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and is actively pursuing green shipping initiatives, including investing in methanol-powered ships and carbon capture technology. Maersk is also a leader in digital transformation, offering customers tools for shipment management, live tracking, and online booking.

• TEU Capacity: 4,574,062 million TEU
• Market Share: 14.2%
• Fleet Size: 736 vessels

3. CMA CGM Group

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM has emerged as one of the world's largest container shipping companies. The company has a strong global presence, operating services in over 160 countries, and is known for its focus on innovation and sustainability. 

CMA CGM has significantly invested in digital platforms to improve operations and customer service. Additionally, CMA CGM has been actively investing in green technologies and has committed $20 billion to modernizing U.S. ports and infrastructure.

• TEU Capacity: 3,975,653 million TEU
• Market Share: 12.3%
• Fleet Size: 678 vessels

4. COSCO Shipping Lines

COSCO, a state-owned enterprise based in Shanghai, China, was founded in 1961. The company has grown significantly through mergers, most notably the acquisition of Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), further expanding its global reach. 

COSCO operates a vast network of container services and is investing heavily in digitalization and sustainability. The company has been adopting eco-friendly technologies to reduce its environmental impact, including modernizing its fleet with more fuel-efficient vessels.

• TEU Capacity: 3,369,600 million TEU
• Market Share: 10.4%
• Fleet Size: 523 vessels

5. Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, was founded in 1970, and the company is recognized for its efficiency and commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing CO2 emissions and investing in green technologies. 

The company offers global container services, with a particular focus on the Asia-Europe and trans-Pacific routes. Hapag-Lloyd is also integrating digital solutions, providing customers with online booking, real-time shipment tracking, and enhanced customer service platforms. Its commitment to sustainability is evident through the modernization of its fleet and efforts to reduce fuel consumption.

• TEU Capacity: 2452920 million TEU
• Market Share: 7.6%
• Fleet Size: 307 vessels

6. Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE) is a Japanese container shipping company formed in 2017 by merging three major shipping lines: K Line, MOL, and NYK. Based in Tokyo, ONE is still a relatively new player in the industry but has quickly established a strong presence, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The company is focused on strengthening its global footprint and enhancing its digital capabilities, such as offering online booking, tracking, and shipment management services. ONE also emphasizes sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly technologies into its operations.

• TEU Capacity: 2,035,431 million TEU
• Market Share: 6.3%
• Fleet Size: 266 vessels

7. Evergreen Marine Corporation

Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, Evergreen is known for its significant presence in both the Asia-Pacific and trans-Pacific trade routes. The company focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability by investing in fuel-efficient vessels and digital technologies to improve its services. 

Evergreen is also dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint, particularly through initiatives to lower CO2 emissions. It is widely regarded for its customer-centric approach and operational stability.

• TEU Capacity: 1,827,611 million TEU
• Market Share: 5.7%
• Fleet Size: 227 vessels

8. Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. (HMM)

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), founded in 1976, is the country's largest container carrier based in Seoul. 

HMM is recognized for its reliable service and has been investing in sustainable shipping practices, including the introduction of LNG-powered vessels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The company is also enhancing its digital capabilities by developing platforms that provide real-time tracking and better customer interaction.

• TEU Capacity: 944,539 million TEU
• Market Share: 2.9%
• Fleet Size: 87 vessels

9. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd

ZIM, an Israeli-based container shipping company, was founded in 1945. The company emphasizes innovation and digitalization, offering customers easy access to online booking, shipment tracking, and logistics management tools. ZIM also focuses on reducing its environmental impact through more efficient vessel operations and sustainable practices, aiming to remain competitive and environmentally responsible.

• TEU Capacity: 767,043 million TEU
• Market Share: 2.4%
• Fleet Size: 126 vessels

10. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

Yang Ming, based in Keelung, Taiwan, was founded in 1972. The company is known for its reliable and competitive services, especially on the Asia-Pacific and global trade routes. Yang Ming is also committed to sustainability, working to reduce fuel consumption and introducing environmentally friendly technologies to modernize its fleet and enhance efficiency.

• TEU Capacity: 724815 million TEU
• Market Share: 2.2%
• Fleet Size: 100 vessels

While the top 10 largest container shipping companies dominate global trade, the industry faces significant challenges that affect its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Another Interesting Read: Ocean Freight Shipping Cost Factors and Charges Guide

Challenges in the Container Shipping Industry

Despite its critical role in global trade, the container shipping industry continues to face persistent challenges. Operational inefficiencies, regulatory pressures, and external disruptions make it increasingly challenging for carriers, freight forwarders, and shippers to maintain reliability, predictability, and profitability. Understanding these challenges is essential to building more resilient supply chains.

• Fragmented document handling: Managing numerous shipping documents manually or across disconnected systems leads to increased delays and errors.
• Limited real-time visibility: The lack of real-time updates on containers makes it difficult to respond quickly to disruptions, such as delays or rerouting.
• Poor coordination between stakeholders: With multiple parties involved, slow or misaligned coordination leads to delays and higher costs.
• Inconsistent cargo insurance management: Separating cargo insurance from the shipping workflow complicates coverage verification and the timely processing of claims.
• Financial complexity in global trade: The use of multiple currencies, payment systems, and intermediaries creates risks, such as late payments and financial bottlenecks.
• Container imbalance: Uneven trade flows cause containers to accumulate in certain areas, resulting in inefficiencies and additional repositioning costs.
• Strict emissions regulations: Compliance with environmental mandates requires costly vessel and fuel upgrades.
• Geopolitical disruptions: Conflicts, sanctions, and piracy increase rerouting costs and pose risks to cargo safety.
• Labour disputes and shortages: Port strikes and a shortage of trained seafarers disrupt vessel schedules and operational continuity.
• Outdated digital systems: Legacy platforms hinder supply chain visibility, slow communication, and limit proactive responses to disruptions.

To overcome these challenges, businesses need a more efficient, integrated approach. Here's how Pazago addresses these pain points to simplify container shipping and increase operational efficiency.

Also Read: How To Reduce Container Shipping Costs?

Simplify Container Shipping With Pazago

Container shipping is a critical yet complex aspect of global trade, necessitating coordination among carriers, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and insurers. Tight schedules, changing regulations, and the movement of high-value cargo add further pressure to get it right. 

The top 10 shipping companies play a significant role in shaping these logistics, but even they face operational and compliance challenges. Here’s how Pazago supports more efficient, transparent, and secure container shipping:

• Digital Document Management: All essential shipping documents, such as bills of lading, commercial invoices, and insurance papers, are stored securely in a centralized digital repository. This enables quick retrieval, reduces paperwork errors, and facilitates compliance audits.
• Real-Time Container Visibility: Users can monitor the location, status, and environmental conditions of containers at any time. Automated alerts for delays or temperature changes enable a faster response when issues arise during transit.
• Centralized Communication: The platform facilitates better coordination among shippers, logistics providers, customs agents, and insurers, thereby minimizing back-and-forth communication and accelerating decision-making.
• Integrated Inspection Management: Pazago supports scheduling and tracking of product inspections, both pre-shipment and in transit. This helps ensure that goods meet destination standards and reduces the likelihood of customs holds.
• Cargo Insurance Handling: Managing insurance for international shipments is often fragmented. Pazago simplifies this by integrating insurance options within the platform and ensuring coverage is aligned with shipment risks.
• Financial Simplification: International trade often involves complex payments, currency exchanges, and financing needs. Pazago provides tools to help businesses manage cross-border payments and currency exposure more efficiently.

Conclusion

International shipping is changing quickly. Rising complexity, tighter regulations, and increased demand for visibility have made traditional logistics methods harder to sustain. For businesses relying on container shipping, adapting to these changes is no longer optional; it is essential.

From regulatory compliance and documentation to tracking and coordination across borders, managing container shipments now requires more than just booking space on a vessel. It calls for integrated systems, real-time insights, and more intelligent workflows that reduce delays, lower costs, and improve delivery reliability.

Want to make your container logistics more efficient? Schedule a demo to see how Pazago supports modern, end-to-end shipping management without the complexity.