Top Global Shipping Companies 2025 [Comprehensive List & Insights]
Content Menu
- Introduction: Why This List Matters
- 2025 Global Container Shipping Rankings (Top 20)
- Deep Dive: Leading Ocean Freight Companies
- MSC
- Maersk
- CMA CGM
- COSCO Shipping
- Hapag-Lloyd
- Other Notable Players
- Strategic Shipping Alliances in 2025
- Logistics Insights for Global Importers & Exporters
- How Xiamen AE Global Supports International Freight Forwarding
- Conclusion & Contact
1. Introduction: Why This List Matters
In today's rapidly evolving global trade environment, choosing the right ocean freight carrier is more crucial than ever. As international shipping becomes more concentrated among mega-carriers, understanding who dominates the seas-and how their operations impact your supply chain-can give your business a strategic advantage. This guide reveals the 2025 global container shipping rankings, with insights into how top logistics players are shaping the future of freight.
2. 2025 Global Container Shipping Rankings (Top 20)
As of mid-2025, the total global container shipping capacity exceeds 32.22 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units), with more than 7,300 active container vessels.
According to Alphaliner data, the top five shipping companies control over 64.5% of the world's container fleet capacity. The top 10 account for 84% of total TEUs.
Top 5 Shipping Companies by Fleet Size and TEU (2025):
| Rank | Company | Fleet Size | TEU Capacity | Global Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co.) | 909 ships | 6.56 million | 20.4% |
| 2 | Maersk | 737 ships | 4.58 million | 14.2% |
| 3 | CMA CGM | 672 ships | 3.92 million | 12.2% |
| 4 | COSCO Shipping | 520 ships | 3.36 million | 10.4% |
| 5 | Hapag-Lloyd | 302 ships | 2.38 million | 7.4% |
3. MSC: Leading Ocean Freight Companies
MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Fleet: 909 vessels
TEU: 6.56 million
Global Share: 20.4%
Expansion Strategy: Organic growth through newbuilds and second-hand purchases.
Unique Fact: Orders for over 130 ships add another 2.1 million TEU-more than the total fleet of some competitors.
MSC is currently the undisputed leader in ocean freight. Its rapid expansion and independent strategy (following the dissolution of the 2M Alliance with Maersk) make it a dominant force in global logistics.
Maersk – A.P. Moller-Maersk Group
Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
Fleet: 737 vessels
TEU: 4.58 million
Strategy: Aggressive M&A (Sea-Land, P&O Nedlloyd, Hamburg Süd)
Differentiator: End-to-end logistics integrator with strong airfreight and inland services.
Maersk is renowned for its comprehensive logistics solutions and pioneering green initiatives, including investments in methanol-powered vessels.
CMA CGM Group
Headquarters: Marseille, France
Fleet: 672 vessels
TEU: 3.92 million
Orders: 99 vessels (1.5 million TEU)
Expansion: Acquisition of APL, ANL, and others under the Ocean Alliance.
CMA CGM is favored by many large retailers and B2B customers for its balance of flexibility, reliability, and fast-growing intermodal network.
COSCO Shipping Group
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Fleet: 520 vessels
TEU: 3.36 million
Key Brands: COSCO SHIPPING Lines, OOCL
Coverage: Extensive intra-Asia, Europe, and North America routes
COSCO is China's shipping champion, known for its global coverage and strong state-backed financial support. It's a key member of the Ocean Alliance.
Hapag-Lloyd
Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
Fleet: 302 vessels
TEU: 2.38 million
Alliances: Recently formed Gemini Cooperation with Maersk
M&A History: CSAV, UASC, NileDutch, DAL
Hapag-Lloyd stands out for its collaborative strategy and its strength in North-South trade lanes, including Latin America and Africa.
4. Other Notable Players
- ONE (Ocean Network Express) – Japan-based alliance of NYK, MOL, and K-Line
- Evergreen Marine Corp. – Major player from Taiwan
- HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine) – South Korea's key carrier
- ZIM Integrated Shipping – Israel-based company with a strong chartering model
- Yang Ming Marine Transport – Taiwan's historic shipping brand
5. Strategic Shipping Alliances in 2025
With the dissolution of the 2M Alliance (MSC + Maersk) and THE Alliance, new coalitions emerged in 2025:
- Gemini Cooperation – Maersk + Hapag-Lloyd
- Ocean Alliance (OA) – COSCO, CMA CGM, Evergreen, OOCL
- Premier Alliance (PA) – ONE, HMM, Yang Ming
Strategic partnerships are now more dynamic, focused on data sharing, schedule reliability, and emission reduction.
6. Logistics Insights for Global Importers & Exporters
Understanding the shipping company landscape helps businesses:
- Choose stable, reliable carriers
- Secure competitive freight rates
- Optimize transit time and routing
- Anticipate market shifts due to fleet expansion or alliance restructuring
At Xiamen AE Global, we leverage deep carrier relationships to secure space and rates-even during peak seasons.
7. How Xiamen AE Global Supports International Freight Forwarding
At Xiamen AE Global, we do more than move cargo. We create customized, agile logistics solutions tailored to your global supply chain.
Our core services include:
- Airfreight & Ocean Freight Consolidation
- International Courier & Express Services
- Customs Clearance & Compliance Consulting
- Warehousing & Inventory Management
- Break Bulk & Project Cargo Handling
Backed by real-time tracking and a multilingual team, we ensure transparency and seamless communication from origin to destination.
8. Conclusion: Navigate the Future with Confidence
The global shipping landscape in 2025 is dynamic, consolidated, and technology-driven. As mega-carriers expand and alliances shift, your logistics partner needs to keep pace.
Xiamen AE Global stays ahead of the curve so you don't have to. Whether you're importing from Asia or exporting worldwide, we're here to move your business forward-with precision, speed, and reliability.
👉 Contact us today to discuss your freight needs or request a quote.