Top 5 shipping lines steering global sea trade in 2025
We’ve spotlighted the five leading shipping companies based on key factors such as business scale, customer reach, network strength, sustainability efforts, and their strategic presence on major trade corridors.
Maritime shipping companies form the backbone of international commerce, enabling seamless movement of goods across continents with speed and cost-efficiency. These industry giants ensure timely delivery to global markets, playing an essential role in supply chains. Their impact was underscored in 2025, when container shipping lines reported a staggering $26.8 billion in net profits during Q3—marking a 164% surge from the previous quarter.
We’ve spotlighted the five leading shipping companies based on key factors such as business scale, customer reach, network strength, sustainability efforts, and their strategic presence on major trade corridors.
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Founded in Naples, Italy, in 1970, MSC has evolved into one of the most dominant forces in the global shipping industry. Now headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the company’s remarkable growth over the decades has firmly cemented its position at the top of the maritime world.
Backed by substantial cash reserves and strong capitalization, MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) has maintained an expansive fleet while aggressively pursuing new ventures in the sector. As of March 2025, the company operates around 900 cargo vessels, boasting a combined TEU capacity of 5,505,417. This includes approximately 3.2 million TEU in owned ships and 2.98 million TEU through chartered vessels—a strategic balance that gives MSC both operational flexibility and significant control over global shipping capacity.
Among its standout vessels are the MSC Tessa and MSC Irina, launched in March 2023, with TEU capacities of 24,116 and 24,232 respectively. These giants rank among the largest container ships in the world, enabling MSC to move immense volumes of cargo with each voyage.
MSC’s vast operational network extends well beyond the sea, ensuring efficient movement of goods through integrated land and logistics channels—making it a cornerstone of global trade in 2025.
Maersk Line
Established in 1928 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Maersk Line stands as one of the world’s largest and most enduring container shipping companies. With nearly a century of experience, Maersk continues to lead the global trade landscape through its vast fleet, forward-thinking logistics solutions, and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability.
Operating a fleet of over 700 container ships, Maersk reaches approximately 374 ports across 116 countries. Its fleet—comprising ultra-large container ships (ULCS), mid-sized vessels, and nimble feeder ships—delivers a total capacity of 4.1 million TEUs, offering both flexibility and scale across major trade lanes.
Designed to meet the rising demands of international commerce, Maersk’s vessels navigate a range of long-haul routes, including trans-Pacific, trans-Atlantic, and intra-Asia services. Among its flagship vessels are the Emma Maersk, with a 15,500 TEU capacity, and the Triple-E Class, capable of carrying 18,000 TEUs—both icons of modern maritime engineering.
Looking ahead, Maersk is charting a greener course. The company has committed to achieving netzero emissions by 2040, reinforcing its role as not just a trade powerhouse but also a champion of sustainable shipping.
CMA CGM Group
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM has risen to become the third-largest container shipping company globally. With over four decades of maritime expertise, the company is renowned for its expansive global reach and forward-looking logistics solutions that support businesses across a wide range of industries.
Operating in more than 160 countries, CMA CGM maintains a strong global footprint with 400 offices and 1,000 warehouses. Its services extend to approximately 420 of the world’s 521 commercial ports, supported by a network of over 250 shipping lines—ensuring seamless connectivity across international trade routes.
The company’s impressive fleet exceeds 650 vessels, offering a total slot capacity of 5 million TEUs. This scale enables CMA CGM to transport around 23.6 million TEUs annually, a testament to its role as a cornerstone of global trade. The fleet is optimized to meet the diverse demands of modern shipping, providing flexibility and capacity across different market segments.
CMA CGM’s logistics reach goes beyond maritime transport, integrating inland logistics to streamline supply chains from port to destination. Its holistic approach ensures reliability and efficiency throughout the shipping process.
Financially, CMA CGM has demonstrated consistent growth and robust operating performance. With a strong focus on innovation and operational efficiency, the company continues to drive profitability and deliver scalable, dependable solutions to exporters worldwide.
COSCO Shipping Lines
Headquartered in Shanghai, COSCO stands as the world’s fourth-largest shipping conglomerate and a key player in global container shipping. With decades of maritime expertise, the company continues to drive international trade by offering expansive service coverage and dependable logistics solutions.
COSCO’s robust fleet comprises 504 container ships, 436 dry bulk carriers, 229 oil and gas tankers, and 180 specialized cargo vessels, enabling it to handle a wide variety of cargo—from standard containers to bulk commodities and liquid energy shipments. This fleet diversity makes COSCO a versatile partner for businesses across multiple industries.
The company’s scale and performance are underpinned by strong shipping volumes and consistent financial results, reflecting its reliability and cost-efficiency in meeting international shipping demands.
Operating across major global trade lanes, COSCO’s extensive network ensures seamless connectivity between continents, making it a trusted logistics provider for exporters aiming to access markets around the world.
Hapag-Lloyd
Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Hapag-Lloyd AG ranks as the world’s fifth-largest container shipping company and remains a vital force in global maritime logistics. With a strong footprint along major international trade routes, it continues to be a trusted partner for businesses seeking reliable and efficient shipping solutions.
Hapag-Lloyd’s modern fleet comprises 299 container vessels, including 129 owned and 171 leased ships, collectively offering a transport capacity of 2.3 to 2.34 million TEUs. This balanced fleet structure enables the company to adapt to fluctuating market demands while maintaining flexibility and scalability across key global shipping lanes.
The company’s robust financial performance underscores its solid industry standing, propelled by increased transport volumes and competitive freight rates. As global trade evolves, Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to operational excellence and strategic growth cements its role as a consistent and forward-thinking player in international container transport.
