Top 10 Biggest Container Shipping Companies in World (2023)

Container shipping companies play a vital role in the world’s economy by facilitating the movement of goods and products between countries and continents. In this post I’ve compiled Top 10 Biggest Container Shipping Companies in World (2023).

Shipping also plays a vital role in global trade, with approximately 90% of world trade being transported by ships. This includes everything from raw materials to finished goods, as well as oil and gas. The global shipping industry is huge, with over 50,000 merchant ships operating worldwide, carrying a total of approximately 11 billion tons of cargo each year.

The shipping industry has a significant impact on the global economy, with the industry contributing an estimated $500 billion to the world’s GDP. It also provides employment to millions of people around the world, both on ships and in related industries.

Here are some of the reasons why container shipping companies are important:

1. Facilitating global trade: Container shipping companies are the backbone of global trade, allowing businesses to import and export goods on a large scale. Without container shipping companies, it would be difficult for businesses to access foreign markets and for consumers to have access to a wide range of products.
2. Lowering the cost of goods: Container shipping companies have made it more affordable to transport goods across long distances. By using large vessels that can carry thousands of containers, shipping companies can spread the cost of transportation across a large number of goods, making it more cost-effective to move products across the world.
3. Supporting economic growth: Container shipping companies help to support economic growth by connecting businesses to markets around the world. This helps businesses to grow, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity.
4. Enabling global supply chains: Container shipping companies are an essential part of global supply chains, allowing businesses to source raw materials and components from around the world and assemble them into finished products for export.
5. Promoting cultural exchange: Container shipping companies facilitate the movement of people and goods between countries, allowing for cultural exchange and the spread of ideas and knowledge.

Overall, container shipping companies play a critical role in the global economy by facilitating the movement of goods, supporting economic growth, and enabling global trade and supply chains.

What are Container Ships?

Container ships are maritime vessels that carry cargo containers, also known as intermodal containers. Sometimes you will hear them called ‘box ships’ because they carry boxes of cargo. Container vessels typically operate on a regularly scheduled set route, this type of shipping service is also known as Liner shipping.  

The process of sending shipments in special containers is known as containerization.

Container ship capacity is measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). Typical loads are a mix of 20-foot (1-TEU) and 40-foot (2-TEU) ISO-standard containers, with the latter predominant.

I am Hoping that you know about Bulk-Carrier Cargo ships – which carry cargoes in bulk but Container ships are the cargo ships that carry most seagoing in non-bulk cargoes. In today’s world, container vessels have around 90% of the world’s non-bulk cargo. These ships have made it feasible to transfer Large quantities of cargo at faster time.

Must Read: Everything about Container Ships

Container ships now rival crude oil tankers and bulk carriers as the largest commercial seaborne vessels. Nowadays, about 90% of non-bulk cargo worldwide is transported by container vessels, and the largest modern container vessels can carry capacity up to 24,000 TEU.

Container ships have been built in increasingly larger sizes to take advantage of economies to scalable and reduce expenses as part of intermodal freight transport.

Top 10 Biggest/Largest Container Shipping Companies in World 2023

1. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is one of the world’s largest shipping lines, operating in the container shipping industry. The company was founded in 1970 in Geneva, Switzerland, by Gianluigi Aponte and is still privately owned by his family.

MSC operates a fleet of over 570 vessels, with a total capacity of around 3.8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), making it the second-largest container shipping line in the world by capacity. The company offers container shipping services on more than 200 trade routes, connecting all major global ports.

MSC operates in several business areas, including ocean shipping, terminal operations, intermodal and logistics services, and project cargo. It also operates a dedicated division for cruise shipping, called MSC Cruises, which operates a fleet of 19 cruise ships.

The company has a global network of offices and employs more than 100,000 people worldwide, making it one of the largest employers in the shipping industry. MSC is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of eco-friendly fuels and investments in new technologies.

Overall, MSC is a major player in the global shipping industry, with a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and customer service.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is an Italian-Swiss international shipping line. MSC is the No.1 best largest container shipping company in the world 2023. This company operates in all major ports of the world. MSC was started in 1970; 53 years ago.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1+
• Ownership: Private Sector
• Revenue: $35.59 billion
• TEU: 4,284,668
• Vessels: 700+
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Employees: 100,000+
• Visit Site: https://www.msc.com/

Also Read: Maersk is no longer the world’s largest container line as MSC takes the top spot

2. A.P. Moller – Maersk Line

The A.P. Moller – Maersk Group is a Danish conglomerate that operates in various industries, including container shipping, oil and gas, and logistics. The group was founded in 1904 by A.P. Moller and has since grown to become one of the largest companies in Denmark and the world.

The group’s main business unit is Maersk, which operates the world’s largest container shipping company, Maersk Line, as well as other logistics and supply chain management businesses. The Maersk Line operates a fleet of over 700 container vessels and offers services to customers worldwide.

Apart from shipping, the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group also has interests in the energy industry through its subsidiary Maersk Oil, which explores and produces oil and gas in various parts of the world. Overall, the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group is a diversified conglomerate with a global reach and a strong presence in various industries. Its focus is on providing reliable and efficient solutions to its customers while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Maersk Line is the container shipping division of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, a Danish conglomerate. Maersk Line is the largest container shipping company in the world, with a fleet of over 700 container vessels and operations in more than 120 countries. The company offers a range of shipping services, including containerized cargo transportation, refrigerated cargo transportation, and supply chain management solutions.

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Maersk Line’s focus is on providing reliable and efficient shipping services to its customers while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company operates with a “Triple Bottom Line” philosophy, which means that it aims to create value not only for its shareholders but also for the environment and society at large.

In addition to its core container shipping business, Maersk Line also operates other businesses within the Maersk Group, including logistics and port terminal operations. Overall, Maersk Line plays a significant role in global trade and logistics, connecting businesses and consumers around the world.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1+
• Ownership: Private
• Revenue: US$ 39.7 billion
• TEU: 4,282,302
• Vessels: 700+
• Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark
• Employees: 90,000+
• Visit Site: https://www.maersk.com/

3. CMA-CGM

CMA CGM (Compagnie Maritime d’Affrètement – Compagnie Générale Maritime) is a French container shipping and logistics company. It was founded in Marseille in 1978 and has since grown to become one of the world’s leading shipping companies, with a presence in more than 160 countries and a fleet of over 500 vessels.

CMA CGM offers a wide range of shipping services, including containerized cargo transportation, bulk shipping, and logistics solutions. The company operates a global network of shipping routes, serving more than 420 ports around the world.

In recent years, CMA CGM has also become a leader in digital innovation, developing a range of digital tools and platforms to improve its customers’ experience and enhance its operational efficiency. The company has also made a commitment to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in cleaner, more fuel-efficient vessels.

Overall, CMA CGM is a major player in the global shipping and logistics industry, with a focus on providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable services to its customers. This company served his services worldwide. CMA-CGM uses 257 shipping routes between 420 ports in 160 different countries. It’s North American headquarters are in Norfolk, Virginia, USA. This company has a huge number of employees currently 110,000 and 566 vessels currently available. Main two businesses are transportation and logistics.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1
• Ownership: Private
• Revenue: $31.45 billion
• TEU: 3,167,522
• Vessels: 566
• Headquarters: CMA CGM Tower Marseille,France
• Employees: 110,000
• Visit Site: http://www.cma-cgm.com

4. COSCO Shipping Lines (COSCO)

COSCO Shipping Lines is a Chinese container shipping and logistics company, and a subsidiary of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited. The company was founded in 1997 and has since grown to become one of the largest shipping companies in the world, with a fleet of over 350 vessels and operations in more than 100 countries. It is the 4th largest shipping company in the world. It’s parent company is Chinese state-owned COSCO Shipping. This company was established in April 1962, It’s headquarters are situated in Shanghai, China. China’s Ministry of Communications as a state-owned ocean shipping enterprise in Beijing.

COSCO Shipping Lines offers a range of shipping services, including containerized cargo transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. The company operates a global network of shipping routes, serving more than 300 ports around the world.

In recent years, COSCO Shipping Lines has also made significant investments in digital technology to improve its operational efficiency and enhance its customers’ experience. The company has implemented a range of digital tools and platforms, including a customer portal, mobile apps, and e-commerce platforms, to make it easier for customers to book and track shipments.

COSCO Shipping Lines is also committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in fuel-efficient vessels and promoting eco-friendly practices in its operations.

Overall, COSCO Shipping Lines is a major player in the global shipping and logistics industry, with a focus on providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable services to its customers.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1
• Ownership: State-owned enterprise
• Revenue: 4,465.5 crores USD
• TEU: 2,943,120
• Vessels: 1,114
• Headquarters: Shanghai, China
• Employees: 60,000
• Site: https://lines.coscoshipping.com/

5. Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd is a German container shipping company, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. The company was founded in 1970 as a merger of two traditional German shipping companies, Hapag and Lloyd, both of which had histories dating back to the 19th century.

Today, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, with a fleet of over 230 vessels and operations in more than 130 countries. The company offers a range of shipping services, including containerized cargo transportation, logistics, and supply chain management.

Hapag-Lloyd is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in fuel-efficient vessels and promoting eco-friendly practices in its operations. The company also focuses on digitalization and has developed a range of digital tools and platforms to improve its customers’ experience and enhance its operational efficiency.

Overall, Hapag-Lloyd is a major player in the global shipping and logistics industry, with a focus on providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable services to its customers. The company operates with a customer-centric approach and is constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A2
• Ownership: Aktiengesellschaft
• Revenue: 14.5 Billion USD
• TEU: 1,749,399
• Vessels: 300+
• Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany
• Employees: 15,100+

6. Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE) is a Japanese container shipping company, established in 2017 as a joint venture between three Japanese shipping companies: Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K-Line).

ONE operates a fleet of over 240 vessels and offers a range of shipping services, including containerized cargo transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. The company operates a global network of shipping routes, serving more than 120 countries and 200 ports around the world.

ONE is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in fuel-efficient vessels and promoting eco-friendly practices in its operations. The company also focuses on digitalization and has developed a range of digital tools and platforms to improve its customers’ experience and enhance its operational efficiency.

Overall, ONE is a major player in the global shipping and logistics industry, with a focus on providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable services to its customers. The company aims to be a leading provider of innovative, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global supply chain.

• ONE was established in 2017 as a result of the merger of the container shipping divisions of the three Japanese shipping companies: NYK, MOL, and K-Line.
• The company is headquartered in Singapore and has regional offices and subsidiaries around the world, including in Japan, the United States, Europe, and Asia.
• ONE’s fleet consists of a variety of vessel types, including container ships, car carriers, and bulk carriers.
• The company operates a number of services, including East-West services between Asia and North America, Europe, and the Mediterranean, as well as Intra-Asia services.
• In addition to its shipping services, ONE also offers logistics and supply chain management solutions, including warehousing, distribution, and customs brokerage services.
• ONE is committed to environmental sustainability and has set targets to reduce its carbon footprint, including a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• The company has also implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as investing in fuel-efficient vessels, promoting the use of renewable energy, and reducing waste and emissions in its operations.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1
• Ownership: Joint venture
• Revenue: N/A
• TEU: 1,611,060
• Vessels: 220
• Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
• Employees: N/A

7. EVERGREEN

Evergreen Group is the organisational designation used by a Taiwan-based conglomerate of shipping, transportation, and associated service companies. The original Evergreen Marine Corporation, which was established in 1968 and currently operates as the world’s 7th largest containerized-freight shipping company in the world. It’s headquarters are located in Taipei, Taiwan.

Evergreen Line is the container shipping division of the Taiwanese shipping company, Evergreen Marine Corp. It was established in 1968 and is currently one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. Evergreen Line operates a fleet of more than 200 container vessels, with a total capacity of over 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

Evergreen Line offers a wide range of shipping services, including full-container-load (FCL), less-than-container-load (LCL), and specialized services such as refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods transport, and project cargo. The company has a global network of offices and agents that provide support to customers in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and automotive.

Also Read Taiwan’s Evergreen Maritime Corp. Now Has One Of World’s Largest Container Ship

Evergreen Line is known for its reliable and efficient service, as well as its commitment to sustainability. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as optimizing vessel speed and using cleaner fuels.

• Evergreen Line is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan and has a global network of offices and agents in more than 80 countries.
• The company operates 13 major shipping routes that connect Asia with Europe, the Mediterranean, the Americas, Australia, and Africa.
• Evergreen Line’s fleet includes container vessels of various sizes, including some of the largest container ships in the world, such as the 24,000 TEU Ever Ace and Ever Given ships.
• In addition to container shipping, Evergreen Line also offers logistics services, including supply chain management, warehousing, and customs brokerage.
• Evergreen Line is a member of the Ocean Alliance, a global container shipping alliance that includes CMA CGM, COSCO, and OOCL.
• The company has received numerous awards for its service quality, environmental initiatives, and corporate social responsibility efforts.
• Evergreen Line has a strong focus on digitalization and has implemented various technologies to improve operational efficiency, such as electronic data interchange (EDI), online booking platforms, and blockchain-based systems.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1
• Ownership: Private
• Revenue: $14.35 billion
• TEU: 560,000
• Vessels: 150
• Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
• Employees: 10k-12k
• Visit Site: https://www.evergreen-line.com/

8. Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) is a South Korean shipping company that was established in 1976. It is one of the largest container shipping companies in the world, with a fleet of more than 100 container vessels and a total capacity of over 700,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

HMM provides a range of shipping services, including full-container-load (FCL), less-than-container-load (LCL), and specialized services such as refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods transport, and project cargo. The company serves customers in various industries, including automotive, retail, and manufacturing.

HMM has a global network of offices and agents in more than 120 countries. The company operates on major shipping routes that connect Asia with Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

HMM has implemented various initiatives to improve operational efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. For example, the company has invested in eco-friendly technologies such as exhaust gas cleaning systems and ballast water treatment systems. HMM is also exploring the use of alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels.

HMM has faced financial difficulties in the past, but it has undergone a restructuring process in recent years that has helped improve its financial position. The company has also formed strategic partnerships and alliances with other shipping companies to strengthen its market position.

9. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp, commonly known as Yang Ming, is a Taiwanese shipping company that was founded in 1972. It is one of the largest container shipping companies in the world, with a fleet of more than 100 container vessels and a total capacity of over 700,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

Yang Ming provides a range of shipping services, including full-container-load (FCL), less-than-container-load (LCL), and specialized services such as refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods transport, and project cargo. The company serves customers in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and food and beverage.

Yang Ming operates on major shipping routes that connect Asia with Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The company has a global network of offices and agents in more than 100 countries.

Like many other shipping companies, Yang Ming has implemented various initiatives to improve its environmental sustainability. For example, the company has invested in eco-friendly technologies such as exhaust gas cleaning systems and ballast water treatment systems. Yang Ming is also exploring the use of alternative fuels such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels.

In recent years, Yang Ming has undergone a restructuring process to improve its financial position. The company has also formed strategic partnerships and alliances with other shipping companies to enhance its market position and service offerings.

10. Zim Integrated Shipping Services

Zim Integrated Shipping Services, commonly known as ZIM, is an Israeli shipping company that was founded in 1945. It is one of the largest container shipping companies in the world, with a fleet of more than 100 container vessels and a total capacity of over 700,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

ZIM provides a range of shipping services, including full-container-load (FCL), less-than-container-load (LCL), and specialized services such as refrigerated cargo, dangerous goods transport, and project cargo. The company serves customers in various industries, including retail, electronics, and manufacturing.

ZIM operates on major shipping routes that connect Asia with Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The company has a global network of offices and agents in more than 100 countries.

ZIM is known for its innovative approach to shipping and has implemented various technologies and digital solutions to improve its service offerings and customer experience. For example, the company has developed an advanced online booking system and has launched a blockchain-based platform for bill of lading documentation.

ZIM has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. For example, the company has invested in eco-friendly technologies such as exhaust gas cleaning systems and has optimized vessel speeds to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

It also has another North American headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. ZIM was started in 1945, 77 years ago. The company’s main 3 businesses are: Container shipping, Refrigerated Cargo and Logistics, serving areas worldwide. They have 107 vessels and all are container ships. The number of employees in this company is 3,794 working.

More Information:

• Overall Grade: A1
• Ownership: Public
• Revenue: $11.87 billion
• TEU: 409,810
• Vessels: 107
• Headquarters: Haifa, Israel
• Employees: 3,794
• Site: https://www.zim.com/

11. OOCL – Orient Overseas Container Line

OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) is a container shipping and logistics company headquartered in Hong Kong. It was founded in 1969 and has since grown into one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, with a fleet of over 400 vessels and a global network of more than 100 offices in over 60 countries.

OOCL offers a range of container shipping services, including full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), and intermodal transport. The company operates on major trade routes in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australasia, and serves a diverse range of industries, including electronics, automotive, and retail.

In 2017, OOCL was acquired by China’s state-owned shipping giant COSCO, which has further expanded the company’s reach and capabilities in the global shipping industry.

Here are some additional facts about OOCL:

• OOCL was founded by C.C. Tung, who also founded the shipping company, Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), which is the parent company of OOCL.
• OOCL was the first Asian shipping line to transport cargo across the Arctic Ocean, completing a voyage from Asia to Europe via the Northeast Passage in 2013.
• The company has won numerous awards for its service, including the “Best Global Shipping Line” award at the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards (AFLAS) for 10 consecutive years from 2009 to 2018.
• OOCL has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental protection. The company has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions per TEU-kilometer by 50% by 2050.
• In addition to its container shipping services, OOCL also provides logistics solutions through its subsidiary, OOCL Logistics.
• As of 2021, OOCL is a member of the Ocean Alliance, which is one of the largest global shipping alliances consisting of several major container shipping companies.
• Visit site: https://www.oocl.com/

Also Read Why Containers Ships are Faster than Tankers and Bulk Carriers

FAQs About Top Container Merchant Navy Companies in World (2023)

Which are the largest container shipping companies in the world?

List of Top Container Shipping Companies in World are:
1. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
2. A.P. Moller – Maersk Group
3. CMA-CGM
4. COSCO Shipping Lines (COSCO)
5. Hapag-Lloyd
6. Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Which is World’s largest container shipping company in the world?

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is World’s No.1 largest container shipping company in the world. In 2021, It became the largest container shipping line since late 2021, after overtaking fellow 2M Alliance member Maersk.

Which company is best for the merchant navy?

List of Top merchant navy companies are:
1. Maersk Line
2. MSC
3. Evergreen Marine corp.
4. COSCO
5. ZIM
6. HMM

Which shipping companies are best for tanker ships?

List of Top tanker shipping companies are:
1. Mitsui OSK Lines
2. Teekay Corp.
3. Euronav NV
4. Scorpio Tankers Inc.
5. Frontline Ltd
6. DHT Holdings