Top 10 Container Companies in the Shipping Industry

Table of content

• Introduction: The Backbone of Global Trade

• Top 10 Container Shipping Companies in 2025

  • 1. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

  • 2. A.P. Moller–Maersk Group

  • 3. CMA CGM Group

  • 4. China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO)

  • 5. Hapag-Lloyd

  • 6. Evergreen Marine

  • 7. Ocean Network Express (ONE)

  • 8. Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)

  • 9. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

  • 10. Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM)

• Comparison For Top 10 Container Companies in the Shipping Industry

• The Future outlook of Container Shipping

• The Enduring Power of Container Shipping

Container Companies

The Box That Connects the World: Navigating Trillion-Dollar Supply Chains

Imagine an industry where standardized metal boxes, each a key to global commerce, are stacked twenty high on colossal ships, silently moving the products of a $14 trillion global trade across oceans. This is the realm of container shipping, a dynamic segment within the broader maritime industry that transports over 80% of the world's trade by volume. It is the very backbone of modern supply chains, ensuring goods from every corner of the planet reach consumers efficiently and affordably.

But who are the true titans orchestrating this immense, intricate global ballet, and how do they shape our world?

Containerization, a groundbreaking transport paradigm originating in the mid-20th century, revolutionized global trade by standardizing cargo into uniform units. This innovation streamlined loading, transit, and unloading processes, yielding expedited shipments, diminished pilferage, and significantly enhanced cost efficiency. Its impact on global trade has been seismic, fundamentally minimizing transit times and costs, and democratizing trade by connecting even landlocked nations to global markets.

This comprehensive guide for 2025 spotlights the Top 10 Container Shipping Companies, the maritime giants shaping the industry's current landscape. We will delve into their critical metrics—TEU capacities, operational hubs, origins, financial achievements (based on recent reports), and workforce dynamics. These maritime leaders embody modern trade, tirelessly steering global commerce on the waves they helped create.

Top 10 Container Companies in the Shipping Industry

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC): The World's Largest Container Line

Source: Wikipedia

• TEU: 692,000

• HQ: Based in Geneva, Switzerland

• Founded: 1970

• Revenue: $91 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Around 200,000

MSC holds the distinction of being the largest container shipping line globally and the largest privately owned maritime enterprise worldwide. Boasting an extensive fleet of over 730 container ships, including some of the biggest container vessels globally, MSC's collective capacity surpasses 4.5 million TEUs. Its operations span 155 nations, encompassing 520 distinct ports, making it an unrivaled force in global container shipping. The company's formidable growth has been driven by strategic acquisitions and an aggressive fleet expansion program.

A.P. Moller–Maersk Group: The Integrated Logistics Giant

Source: Maritimegateway

• TEU: 4,255,710

• HQ: Centered in Copenhagen, Denmark

• Established: 1904

• Revenue: Approximately $55.482 billion (USD)

• Employees: Exceeding 108,160

A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, chiefly through its primary arm Maersk Line, stands as a premier overseas cargo and freight carrier and a leader in integrated logistics globally. The enterprise administers over 710 container ships and commands a TEU capacity exceeding 4.2 million. Maersk Line maintains a vast global presence, operating in 130 countries and overseeing more than 900 subsidiary units. Following a period of unprecedented record profits in 2022 (e.g., $31.2 billion in EBITDA for 2022), Maersk's financial performance has normalized in 2023-2024, reflecting broader market adjustments, yet its strategic focus on end-to-end logistics solutions continues to shape the industry.

CMA CGM Group: A French Powerhouse of Global Trade

Source: Logisticsinsider

• TEU: 4,014,290

• HQ: Situated in Marseille, France

• Founded: 1978

• Revenue: Roughly $55.5 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Approximately 130,000

CMA CGM Group ranks as the world's third-largest maritime corporation, maintaining a fleet of nearly 600 vessels and a TEU capacity eclipsing 3.3 million. It extends its influence to 160 nations, docking at 420 global ports and upholding a robust international network supported by over 750 offices. CMA CGM has been a frontrunner in adopting dual-fuel engines for its fleet, particularly for methanol-powered vessels, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable shipping and maritime decarbonization.

China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO): Asia's Strategic Giant

Source: Seatrade-Maritime

• TEU: 3,319,253

• HQ: Located in Beijing, China

• Founded: 1961

• Revenue: Estimated at $$32.9 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Approximately 32,415

COSCO, subsequent to its strategic merger with China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL), currently ranks as a formidable global maritime entity. With an aggregate capacity surpassing 2.8 million TEUs, COSCO commands over 460 vessels, including some of the world's largest container ships. The enterprise's influence is particularly pronounced in China, with operations spanning over 400 customer service offices worldwide, making it a pivotal player in global container shipping and trade.

Hapag-Lloyd: Germany's Global Navigator

Source: hapag-lloyd

• TEU: 2,333,452

• HQ: Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany

• Founded: 1847

• Revenue: Estimated at around $20.58 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Approximately 17,000

Hapag-Lloyd, established following a merger with Chile's CSAV in 2014, is one of the preeminent maritime companies globally. It steers a fleet of nearly 250 contemporary container ships, docking at 350 ports across 117 nations. The enterprise annually ships approximately 11.9 million TEUs and maintains an extensive network spanning more than 400 offices in 137 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has been actively investing in modernizing its fleet and improving vessel performance through digital monitoring systems.

Evergreen Marine: Taiwan's Enduring Legacy

Source: Evergreen-Line

• TEU: 1,842,936

• HQ: Situated in Taoyuan City, Taiwan

• Established: 1968

• Revenue: Approximately $12.7 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Roughly 10,500

Evergreen Marine, operating under the banner of Evergreen Line, secures its spot as a leading global container corporation. Its fleet encompasses over 200 vessels, servicing 240 ports across 80 countries. The enterprise's primary focus centers on container ships, with its largest vessels belonging to the 8,500 TEU L-type container class. Evergreen has gained significant attention for its operational scale, exemplified by its involvement in major global shipping events.

Ocean Network Express (ONE): Japan's Amalgamated Giant

Source: one-line

• TEU: 2,091,126

• HQ: Dual headquarters in Tokyo, Japan and Singapore

• Founded: 2017

• Revenue: Approximately $19.233 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Around 8,000

Ocean Network Express (ONE) is the outcome of the amalgamation of three major Japanese corporations—Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. This strategic consolidation created a powerful player in global container shipping. ONE holds a fleet comprising over 200 vessels, including super-large ships with a capacity of up to 20,000 TEUs. ONE administers a network encompassing over 120 countries, leveraging its combined Japanese heritage and global reach.

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM): South Korea's Modern Fleet

Source: Maritimegateway

• TEU: 941,019

• HQ: Based in Seoul, South Korea

• Established: 1976

• Revenue: Estimated at $14.9 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Approximately 1,890

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), an affiliate of the Hyundai Group, manages a modern fleet of over 70 vessels, catering to 50 sea routes and over 100 ports of call. With a truly global presence, the enterprise maintains international headquarters, subsidiaries, branches, and offices distributed across diverse nations. HMM has been actively investing in mega-container ships, solidifying its position in the competitive Asia-Europe trade lanes and contributing significantly to the container shipping industry overview.

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation: Taiwan's Global Presence

Source: logisticsmanager

• TEU: 726,000

• HQ: Headquartered in Keelung, Taiwan

• Founded: 1972

• Revenue: Approximately $6.98 Billion (USD)

• Employees: 4,860

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation oversees nearly 100 vessels, with a primary focus on container ships. Its operational capacity encompasses over 700,000 TEUs, cultivating a robust presence in Taiwan and other locales, with over 170 service points spanning the globe. Yang Ming is a crucial link in Asian and transpacific trade networks, embodying the resilience of the maritime trade companies in the region.

Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM): Israel's Innovative Player

Source: joc

• TEU: 707,332

• HQ: Situated in Haifa, Israel

• Established: 1945

• Revenue: Roughly $8.43 Billion (USD)

• Employees: Approximately 4,850

Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM), Israel's foremost maritime entity, administers a fleet consisting of nearly 140 vessels, reaching over 180 ports globally and presenting 70 lines and services. The enterprise has intensified its footprint in China while concurrently investing in advanced IT solutions to optimize its operations, highlighting the industry's shift towards digital transformation for efficiency and competitive advantage.

Comparison For Top 10 Container Companies in the Shipping Industry

Rank	Company	Fleet Size	TEU Capacity	Global Reach	Port Served	Key Highlights
1	Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)	730	Over 4.5 million TEUs	155	520	Largest privately owned shipping company; operates 4 of the world's largest vessels
2	A.P. Moller–Maersk Group	711	Over 4.2 million TEUs	130	—	Global leader in freight transport; operates over 900 subsidiaries
3	CMA CGM Group	599	Over 3.3 million TEUs	160	420	Supported by over 755 offices worldwide
4	COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Company)	462	Over 2.8 million TEUs	—	—	Formed after merger with CSCL; owns 5 of the top 10 largest container ships
5	Hapag-Lloyd	249	Ships ~11.9M TEUs annually	137	350	Result of 2014 merger with CSAV; has over 400 global offices
6	Evergreen Marine	208+	—	80	240	Focuses on container ships; largest vessels are 8,500 TEU L-type class
7	Ocean Network Express (ONE)	205	Up to 20,000 TEUs per ship	120+	—	Formed by merger of MOL, NYK, and "K" Line; operates super-large container ships
8	Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)	76	—	—	100+	Operates across 50 sea routes with a modern fleet
9	Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp	94	716,000 TEUs	—	170+ service points	Strong presence in Taiwan; global service network
10	Zim Integrated Shipping Services	139	—	—

Future Outlook of the Container Shipping Industry

Looking ahead, container shipping is set for exciting changes that will reshape how goods move around our world. Companies are racing to make their ships greener, with many testing new fuels like ammonia and methanol to cut pollution. Digital tools are becoming everyday helpers, letting shippers track containers in real time and plan smarter routes. After recent supply chain headaches, businesses are working harder to build more reliable networks that can handle surprises.

We're also seeing shipping lines team up more often, sharing space on ships to keep costs down while expanding their reach. E-commerce growth continues to drive demand for faster, more flexible shipping options, especially for smaller shipments. While challenges remain, these changes point to an industry that's adapting quickly to serve our connected world better than ever before.

The Enduring Power of Container Shipping

In summation, these leading Top 10 Container Shipping Companies for 2025 play a pivotal role in global trade. Their substantial fleets, expansive networks, and widespread presence across numerous nations contribute significantly to the efficient movement of commodities across the world. Their continuous investment in larger vessels, strategic alliances, and technological advancements like digitalization and decarbonization initiatives are shaping the future of shipping.

This comprehensive overview highlights the dynamic nature of the container shipping industry, its resilience in the face of challenges, and its ongoing evolution. As global trade continues to expand, these giants of the sea will remain indispensable, steering global commerce and offering profound maritime investment opportunities.

Interested in being a part of the container shipping trade? Sign up on the shipfinex platform and get access to container ship ownership. 

FAQs about Container Shipping Companies

Who are the top 10 container shipping companies in the world in 2025?

The leading companies include Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, CMA CGM Group, China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), Hapag-Lloyd, Evergreen Marine, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, and Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM).

How does containerization impact global trade?

Containerization revolutionized global trade by standardizing cargo units, drastically reducing transit times, cutting costs, diminishing pilferage, and democratizing trade for landlocked nations.

What is the TEU capacity of the largest container ships today?

The largest container ships in the world today are capable of carrying over 24,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), enabling significant economies of scale.

What role do shipping alliances play in the container industry?

Shipping alliances (like 2M Alliance, Ocean Alliance, THE Alliance) are strategic partnerships between major container lines, allowing them to share vessel space, optimize routes, and provide more comprehensive global coverage and efficiency.

How can an individual invest in the container shipping industry?

Traditionally limited to large entities, investment is becoming more accessible through platforms like Shipfinex, which enable fractional, tokenized ownership of maritime assets, including container ships, leveraging digital finance solutions.