In today's article, we'll delve into the world's top shipping companies in terms of fleet size. Want to learn more about these industry giants? Here's a breakdown of the companies with the most extensive fleets globally.
Shipping companies play a pivotal role in global trade, facilitating the maritime transportation of goods across the globe. According to data from Alphaliner, which tracks the capacity of container ship fleets, the leading companies in the sector include:
1 - A.P. Moller-Maersk Group: Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, Maersk is the largest shipping company globally, boasting a capacity to transport 4,255,710 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Founded in 1904, the company employs over 100,000 individuals and generated revenue of $106 billion in 2021.
2 - Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC): Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, MSC is the second-largest shipping company worldwide, with a capacity to transport 4,572,036 TEUs. Established in 1970, the company has approximately 150,000 employees and generated revenue of $28.2 billion in 2021.
3 - CMA CGM Group: Based in Marseille, France, CMA CGM ranks as the third-largest shipping company globally, with a capacity to transport 3,384,710 TEUs. Founded in 1978, the company has around 130,000 employees and generated revenue of $55.97 billion in 2021.
4 - China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO): Headquartered in Beijing, China, COSCO stands as the fourth-largest shipping company globally, with a capacity to transport 3,384,710 TEUs. Established in 1961, the company employs approximately 130,000 individuals and generated revenue of $55.97 billion in 2021.
5 - Hapag-Lloyd: With its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, Hapag-Lloyd ranks as the fifth-largest shipping company worldwide, boasting a capacity to transport 1,733,452 TEUs. Founded in 1847, the company has an estimated 14,500 employees and is believed to have generated revenue of $26.36 billion in 2021.
Data on shipping companies
In addition to these industry leaders, other shipping companies also hold significant market presence. These include Ocean Network Express (ONE), Evergreen Marine, Wan Hai Lines, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, and Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM). It's worth noting that the shipping industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly seeking ways to enhance efficiency and reduce costs through advanced technologies and innovations.
According to data from the UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), global maritime transport moved approximately 11.9 billion tons of goods in 2022, representing a 4.5% increase from 2020. Moreover, maritime trade accounts for about 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% by value.
As for the shipping companies, Maersk remains the largest in the world in terms of capacity, with around 4.1 million TEUs. Following closely are Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) with approximately 3.8 million TEUs and CMA CGM with around 3.5 million TEUs.
Furthermore, shipping companies are increasingly investing in new technologies and sustainability initiatives. For instance, Maersk aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while CMA CGM is developing projects for ships powered by liquefied natural gas. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including container shortages and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2021, the shipping industry grappled with a global container crisis, with container shortages and port delays significantly impacting maritime trade. This crisis may have persisted into 2022, affecting shipping companies' ability to meet the growing demand for maritime transportation.
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