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10 Largest Container Shipping Companies in the World in 2023

ByMI News Network Know More

[Updated for 2023] Container shipping is one of the most important and necessary means of cargo transportation through sea routes.

In present times, however, there is no monopoly by any container shipping companies, leading to a complete lack of friction and tension in the international cargo shipping community.

All the same, there are a few international container shipping companies that lead the race in terms of the scale of operation of their shipping lines.

Ten of these leading container shipping companies based on cargo-carrying capacity can be listed as follows:

1. MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company

Maersk has been in the no. 1 spot since it overtook Evergreen in 1996. The domination of Maersk Line in terms of TEU capacity has been broken first time in 25 years by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

msc ship
Representation image

It is a Swiss international cargo company established in the year 1970. With a buying spree of the new and old vessels, MSC added almost 100 ships to its fleet in the last year, having a vessel line-up of over 645 container ships, the conglomerate is rated to be one of the most extensive cargo companies globally with a TEU capacity of around 4,287,473 TEU.

2. APM-Maersk

A shipping corporation based in Denmark, Maersk Shipping Line dominated the world container shipping market holding the no.1 spot for more than 25 years. Maersk Shipping Line is an AP Moller- Maersk company branch. Widely well-known for its fleet of container ships, the Maersk Line debuted in the international container shipping arena in 1904. Now the company is diversifying its presence in the green fuel and digital technology space. Currently, the company has a fleet of around 738+ container ships with a capacity of around 4,275,542 TEU (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units).

maersk ship
Representation image

3. CMA-CGM

France’s leading container shipping company, CMA-CGM, was in the 4th spot last year (2021). With new mega-ships being added to its fleet, it is now the 3rd largest company in TEU capacity. CMA CGM came into existence in the year 1978 as a result of a series of mergers between previously established shipping corporations. Jacques Saade, the head of the company, was the instrumental force behind its coming into active operation. At present, the company has a fleet of over 568 ships operating in over 150 routes globally. It has a carrying capacity of around 3,198,217 TEU.

cma cgm ship
Representation image

4. COSCO – China Ocean Shipping Company

The China Ocean Shipping Company, or COSCO, as it is popularly known, is one of the leading conglomerates in terms of container shipping companies. COSCO, pushed down to 4th position by CMA CGM this year, has its operations spread over 40 countries with a fleet of around 480 container ships with a container carrying capacity of 2,932,779 TEU. However, its order book contains an additional 5,85,000 TEU, which will be added to the company’s capacity in the coming year.

cosco ship
Representation image

5. Hapag-Lloyd

The German-based Hapag-Lloyd is one of the most renowned and well-featured companies in terms of international shipping companies. The company was established in 1970 due to a merger between the Hamburg-American Line and the North German company Lloyd. Today the shipping corporation has over 250 ships catering to about 1,743,983 TEU container carrying capacity worldwide.

Hapag-Lloyd ship
Representation image

6. ONE  – Ocean Network Express

Established on July 7th, 2017, One Network Express integrates three major shipping companies, MOL, “K”-Line, and NYK. Setup in Japan and headquartered in Singapore, ONE was founded to strengthen services in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The alliance of these three companies currently has a combined fleet of 209 vessels with a container carrying capacity of 1,531 530 TEU, making it one of the largest container shipping alliance companies in the world. However, compared to 2021, there is a reduction of 2% in the TEU capacity, mainly due to the reduction in the number of chartered vessels.

ONE ship
Representation image

7. Evergreen Line

A shipping conglomerate based in Taiwan, the Evergreen Marine Corporation was founded in 1968 by Dr Yung-Fa Chang, a visionary in his own right. At present, the company has offices established worldwide and with an operational capacity of more than 204 container ships and a container carrying capacity of 1,477,644 TEU. It is regarded to be one of the largest cargo shipping companies in the world. Currently, Evergreen Line has the world’s largest container ships in its fleet.

evergreen ship
Representation image

8. Hyundai Merchant Marine

HMM Co. LTD., formerly known as Hyundai Merchant Marine, is a leading container shipping company based in South Korea. With a fleet of 75 vessels and a cargo-carrying capacity of over 819,790 TEU, HMM Co. LTD. is one of the top 10 shipping companies in the world, moving the largest portion of South Korea’s exports. Being a top integrated logistics company globally, HMM Co. LTD. plays an important role in Korea’s economic development.

Hyundai ship
Representation image

9. Yang Ming Marine Transport

Based in Keelung, Taiwan, Yang Ming Marine Transport is one of the oldest and largest shipping companies globally. Established in 1972, the company provides services across Asia, Europe, America, and Australia with a fleet of around 90 vessels. It has a container carrying capacity of around 6,62,047 TEU.

Yang Ming Marine ship
Representation image

10  Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd

Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., commonly known as ZIM, is an Israeli international cargo shipping company. It was founded in 1945 as the ZIM Palestine Navigation Company Ltd. Currently, ZIM has a fleet of 111 ships with a total container carrying capacity of 4,19,064 TEUs. It has added more than 30 ships to its fleet in 2021, making it one of the top 10 container shipping companies in the world.

ZIM ship
Representation image

Container shipping is a huge industry, and these key players are aware of the minutest operational manoeuvrings necessary to power them to be the world leaders in commercial enterprise, not just in their home countries but also at an international level.

Summary: Top 10 Shipping Company 2022

Reference: Alphaliner / Individual container shipping website.

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Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 

 

78 Comments

  1. You have not listed the companies in the order of their size. Check out AXS Alphaliner – Top 100 operated fleets

    For quite some time, Maersk was No.1. Since 2010, however, MSC has moved into the No.1 slot (rated for carrying max number of Containers).

    Your very first entry, NYK, is one of the smallest !

  2. I agree with you vikram….this still good info though….I never thought that Evergreen is also a chinese company…I think this is europeean

  4. Hi All,

    on what basis the ranking is given could you pls tell us.
    And which is one is the number one slot.

    Regards, Sudhakar S

  6. Guess Evergreen is from Taiwan! What do you mean by “largest”? Most TEU, largest turnover, most ships…?
    Regards John

  7. Hi John..Evergreen is the group of four shipping companies i.e. Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd., Italia Marittima S.p.A., Evergreen Marine (UK)Ltd. and Evergreen Marine (Hong Kong) Ltd.

    Regards
    Vikram

  10. Hi vikram do u think really MSC (only) has a large vessel to carry max number of containers?……if yes its a real JOKE….

  11. “7. APL: An auxiliary company to the Singaporean Orient Shipping Lines, APL is an abbreviation for American President Lines. ”

    APL is owned by neptune orient lines, a singaporean company

  12. Please my i know which company has never mergers & rakend the best.
    Thanks/Rgds.
    Emuu.

  13. hiii..
    can any one tell me that what is the procedure to get the sponsorship for 12 pass candidates ??

  15. Good Day Emmu,

    That is MSC only, which has achieved such a spectacular growth internally, through organic growth, rather than through acquisition and mergers.
    @ Mr. Praveen, request to read what Mr. Vikram conveyed, he has clearly mentioned that it is an evaluation for containers slot availability with all the ships being operated by MSC compared to the same of every other shipping companies mentioned right down here, reather than a single vessel’s carrying capacity such as MSC Daniela Class or MAERSK E Class. Ofcourse I agree with you that such ultra large vessels are with a few more shipping companies.
    Looking forward for you to boost up your understanding capabilities of a statement, and then to move up for comments.

    Many Thanks And Best Regards,
    Gangesh

  17. AP Moller Maersk! Line the grt Company
    They Provide Door to Door Service n a get Payment System

  21. I want to join shipping camny…. i m BCAS(beuro of civil avation security) certified screener..

  22. HY ALL,
    CAN ANYONE ADVISE ME I WANT TO WORK IN A SHIPPING LINE.WT I HAVE TO DO FOR THIS.
    CURRENTLY I M WORKING AS AN EXPORT SERVICE EXECUTIVE IN A SHIPPING SERVICES PVT. LTD. COMPANY.
    REGARDS,
    PRADEEP

  23. i am doing MBA in Shipping management i would like to do my training in shipping line.

    With regards

    Gaurav Patel
    09898039941

  27. All the research I have done has told me that the Greek Marine Navy is the largest fleet and moves the most tonnage of any shipping outfit in the world. But some how thw y werent even in the top 10 on this list. Something is fishy in Denmark.

  28. I’m on the lookout for some applicable shipping report bloging to add to my bing reader that are worthwhile after on an ongoing basis.
    Can you offer recommendations? I am currently getting the Baltic Freight rates Index.
    Thanks!It would also be helpful if you told me why you
    find this reports beneficial.

  30. I’m looking for a shipping company that I have heard referred to as ” The Company” I know it was over in Singapore I can not find any listing or anything regarding this shipping company-please if anyone can help me get a phone number or address/location I would be grateful. And if anyone could direct me to a manual on the life at sea-I would appreciate it-I met a gentlemen that has a son and this gentlemen has passed away but before passing away he gave custody of his son to me and I would just like some answers to questions that seem to pop in my mind constintaly and I don’t want to get misdirected since I have no ideal about the “sailers” life. This young boy now has lost his mother in New York and now he has lost his father-so I just want to give him the best life that any child deserves. If anyone can help me please I beg for mercy. Thank You

  31. SADLY TO SAY THAT MAERSKLINE IS A BIG COMPANY, BUT SMALL SALARY IN SEAFARERS. tsk..tsk.. 🙁

  32. Hi,

    If any one can help me with the information container manufacture in India who uses plywood container flooring.

    Regards
    Purnendu

  35. I want to be an agent for one of the container companies in Saudi Arabia
    Who has the desire to do so I hope to communicate on mobile 966555968455

  36. Hi.
    Im Rohit.shinde,im looking for a job in container ships.
    I have 9 months exp I’m from india

  37. Pradeep

    I would suggest joining an FMCG or Automotive companies would be an ideal, where the growth is moderate and consisetent unlike Shipping GSCs especially captive units.
    There are many individuals who have lost their job due to wrong and over projection of profits to their head quarter at Demnark.

    Due to over projection, the larger captive BPO resulted in sending 100s and 100s of their employees in one evening.

    Unfortunately, in today’s scenario, Indian Government does not have hold in questioning these off-shore companies who have BPOs in Chennai.

  38. Thanks for the work you are doing.I want to ship my stone art from South Africa to Australia.

  40. I am ambitious to work either on board or a shore on any shipping company and especially on Saudi Arabian shipping company her in USA in Baltimore port

  41. I have transportation company in Florida, looking forward to be as an agent of one of these companies. Any advice please?

  42. I am looking for a job ….any job general work.. am from India (karnataka)
    In the Job 4years exp…Plz Contact…
    My mobile No:- 9743117809

  43. Hi anyone,
    Please help, im looking 40’HC used container.
    Units to buy is minimum 6 units
    Asking price below usd800 per unit
    Appreciate your helps.

  44. Hi everybody,
    Please help I’m wanted to buy second hand good condition 40′ HC container.
    Info or sellers may contact me thru WhatApps +60139511234.
    My budget is USD800 per unit.

  45. hello looking for schools training employment willing to work and travel call anytime at mark liner at 314-540-0144

  46. pls tell how to join in a vesel as 5 th engineer.is any job available in any companies.pls offer me A job.it will good to my future life.i will finsih my marine enginer study in one year

  47. my name is midhun am completed presea training and deckcadet is any vacancy in any cl me 7593940462

  48. I am a chandler, how can get all these vessels email address, so that i can send them mail to see if they can send us quotation for supply to their vessels.

  50. my i ask for. what’s the fastest time for a container from the southeast of the united state to asia or to vietnam?

  51. hii .
    I am B. Sai Sujith i am complete GP Rating and have a indian CDC PLZ join your ships
    This is my contact number :- 9553895032, 8179565489

  52. i loves shipping business……………Courage is greater then Experience and Study.

  53. Hi.
    I am Ardhendu Panda,i am looking for a job in container ships.I have 10 years experience in Container inspection and Load testing.I’m from India, pls contact +91 9570128465

  54. hai to all company
    i just want to ask how to apply on ship company?? what is the needed requirments for applying as a welder?? im from in the philippines. thank you for the help..

  55. Hi I am merchant navy lover
    Searching for job after completion my engineering in electronics and implementation engineering.

  56. hiii
    iam broker from Egypt I have some contracts for cargo how can contact with ships

  58. Hello sir, This is Mohamed Haroon i completed be marine engg and i lookoing for a job as tme..if any vacancies pls contact
    Thank you

  59. You can’t even give Taiwan a little bit of credit? C’mon, everyone knows that Evergreen is Taiwanese, and only China really disagrees.

  60. Good day

    We are looking for a company that wants to manufacture shipping container homes here in South Africa

  61. Sir, I have Indian CDC. And Sir, I have Indian CDC and Indian passport, how do I join a ship now to join the ship?

  62. Looking for job in container ship, I have 10years experience in gally pls give me contact mail id

  63. HAVE A GOOD DAY.

    MP MARINE SERVICES MALAYSIA
    WE DOING DE-SLOPING AND DE-SLUDGING AT MALAYSIA WESTPORTS , NORTPORT AND SOUTHPORT.
    IF ANY COMPANYS SEACRHING FOR DE-SLUDGING / DE-SLOPING SERVICE MEAN CAN CONTACT US BY : +60162503204
    EMAIL : mani_mpmarineservices@yahoo.com

  64. Just wanna share that there is a liar shipping company in ukraine its name is FLEET GMCL. They r cooparation with pilla global sarl ltd. They lied to their customers

  65. I just wanna share, there is shipping company in ukraine, that they r a liar. they cooparation with pilla global sarl ltd

  66. Why are people asking for jobs in a 3rd part wriiten article? Why wouldn’t you check individual websites & fill out proper paperwork?

  68. Hi I stanis lomuien from PAPUA NEW GUINEA I am currently study GP Deck rating at PNG MARITIME COLLEGE will be graduate at this year in the month of August and very interested to work with your shipping company looking forward to hear good from you thankyou very much..

  72. Hi
    I am M.COM in Finance and also 8 months work experience in shipping line as a documetions excutive in a suveyor company.I want to join in shipping line. Please suggest me.

  75. InshallAllah I’ll launch my own biggest shipping service in the world which beat every company in the field.

  76. Anyone can help me to find the shipping lines who can bring charcoal? origin from batam island, Indonesia

  77. Sir my self karri yugesh from India
    I completed my GP rating course BIMT from India in andhra Pradesh
    Iam very poor family so please help
    Any job offer I can do it any work in ship
    My number +917382588093
    FITTER
    Gp rating

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