In the context of the continuous growth of global trade, the shipping industry has assumed an increasingly pivotal role in the worldwide economy. Shipping companies are responsible for transporting goods internationally and playing a crucial role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of the global supply chain. In 2025, competition in the worldwide shipping market will remain intense, with leading shipping companies maintaining their dominant positions in the market through their extensive fleets, advanced logistics networks, and intelligent management technologies. This article will comprehensively overview the world’s top ten shipping companies in 2025, analyzing their market influence, operational scale, and future development trends. This will assist readers in gaining a more profound understanding of the global shipping industry landscape.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
- Operating capacity: 5,705,424 TEU
- Number of vessels: 801
- Market share: 19.9
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Introduction: MSC is one of the world’s largest and strongest shipping companies, founded in 1970. It provides container shipping services worldwide, ranging from short-distance to long-distance international shipping. MSC is known for its flexible routes and efficient cargo handling and has branches in many countries around the world. In recent years, it has continued to expand its market share through acquisitions and partnerships.
Maersk
- Operating capacity: 4,193,392 TEU
- Number of ships: 685
- Market share: 14.6
- Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Company Profile: Founded in 1904, Maersk is one of the world’s leading shipping companies. It focuses on container shipping and operates in areas such as logistics and terminal operations. Maersk’s services cover the whole world, and it has a significant influence on innovation in the shipping industry. In recent years, Maersk has accelerated its transformation towards digitalization and sustainability, striving to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency.
CMA CGM
- Operating capacity: 3,635,418 TEU
- Number of ships: 634
- Market share: 12.7
- Headquarters: Marseille, France
- Introduction: CMA CGM was founded in 1978 and is a French international shipping group. It provides diverse services such as container transportation, logistics, and freight management, covering more than 200 ports worldwide. CMA CGM is known for its innovative technology, customer-oriented services, and strong global network. CMA CGM has recently acquired APL and other subsidiaries to enhance its competitiveness in the worldwide market continuously.
COSCO
- Operating capacity: 3,092,220 TEU
- Number of vessels: 491
- Market share: 10.8
- Headquarters: Shanghai, China
- Brief introduction: COSCO was founded in 1961 and is China’s largest shipping company and one of the world’s leading shipping groups. COSCO provides a wide range of maritime transport services, including container transport, dry cargo transport, oil and gas transport, etc. With the development of the global shipping industry, COSCO has continued to expand in the international market and has increased its market share by acquiring other shipping companies.
Hapag-Lloyd
- Operating capacity: 2,004,030 TEU
- Number of vessels: 274
- Market share: 7.0
- Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
- Introduction: Founded in 1970, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s most important shipping companies, offering container transport services worldwide. Hapag-Lloyd has an essential position in the European market and a significant share in most of the world’s major shipping routes. The company has recently strengthened its market influence through mergers and acquisitions with other shipping companies.
Ocean Network Express (ONE)
- Operating capacity: 1,809,846 TEU
- Number of vessels: 232
- Market share: 6.3
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
- Company profile: Ocean Network Express (ONE) is a joint venture between three of Japan’s largest shipping companies (K-Line, MOL, and NYK), founded in 2017. ONE specializes in container shipping and offers a full range of logistics services. Through its innovative shipping solutions and global network, the company has quickly become one of the world’s leading shipping companies.
Evergreen Line
- Operating capacity: 1,648,821 TEU
- Number of: 212 vessels
- Market share: 5.7%
- Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
- Description: Evergreen Marine was founded in 1968 and is dedicated to providing global container shipping services. The company has a large fleet covering significant ports around the world. Efficient, reliable, and innovative solutions characterize Evergreen Marine’s services. In recent years, Evergreen Marine has strengthened its investment in digital and environmentally friendly technologies to reduce its carbon footprint.
Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)
- Operating capacity: 797,327 TEU
- Number of vessels: 71
- Market share: 2.8
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- Introduction: Founded in 1976, Hyundai Merchant Marine is one of South Korea’s largest shipping companies. The company provides global shipping services and has improved shipping efficiency through large container ships. In recent years, Hyundai Merchant Marine has continued to expand worldwide and established a strong brand presence in the highly competitive shipping industry.
Yang Ming Marine Transport (Yang Ming)
- Operating capacity: 708,591 TEU
- Number of vessels: 94
- Market share: 2.5
- Headquarters: Keelung, Taiwan
- Introduction: Yang Ming Marine Transport was founded in 1972 and is one of the leading shipping companies in Taiwan. The company provides global container shipping services covering the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the United States, and other regions. Yang Ming Marine Transport has gradually enhanced its competitiveness in the international shipping market and has made significant environmental protection and technological innovation efforts.
ZIM
- Operating capacity: 655,751 TEU
- Number of vessels: 128
- Market share: 2.3
- Headquarters: Haifa, Israel
- Introduction: Founded in 1945, Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. is a global container shipping company with a strong network that provides efficient and innovative logistics solutions. Zim has gradually increased its influence in the worldwide market in recent years and is mainly competitive in the European and Asian markets.
The global shipping industry has undergone significant developments in recent years, with leading companies maintaining dominance by implementing large fleets, strategic route layouts, and advanced management technologies. These companies have persistently innovated in optimizing transport efficiency, cost reduction, and enhancing sustainability. This ongoing innovation is driven by the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of global trade and supply chains. In the face of market competition and industry challenges, shipping giants have sustained their competitive advantage through strategic collaborations, technological upgrades, and adopting environmentally friendly shipping practices, also known as “green shipping.” The future of the global shipping industry is expected to be marked by the widespread adoption of automation, digitalization, and environmentally friendly technologies, leading to a new era of more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable development.
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