Discover the Top 20 Container Shipping Companies in the World for 2024 and How They Play a Key Role in the Maritime Shipping Industry Shipping Maritime Shipping Industry
Key Insights on Container Shipping Companies
In the ever-evolving world of global trade, container shipping companies have undergone significant transformation since the advent of containerized cargo. LeghornGroup, the innovative manufacturer of security solutions founded in 1978, has been an integral part of this transformative journey. Our focus now shifts to the twenty most influential entities shaping the container shipping industry in 2024.
In the early stages of containerization, ships with modest capacities—often only a few hundred twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs)—represented a major shift from traditional cargo handling methods. However, growing global trade demands drove the development of larger and more sophisticated vessels. The 1970s saw the emergence of Panamax ships, boasting a capacity of around 4,000 TEUs and setting a new industry standard.
In the contemporary landscape, the title of the largest container ship belongs to the MSC Irina, a colossal vessel capable of accommodating an astounding 24,346 TEUs. This change in vessel dimensions reflects the relentless pursuit of efficiency and capacity that container shipping companies strive for on a global scale.
Against this dynamic backdrop, our examination of the top 20 container shipping companies worldwide in 2024 aims to highlight the key players actively shaping the course of global trade.
Top 20 Container Shipping Companies in 2024
1.MSC – Mediterranean Shipping Company
As the world’s largest privately-owned Swiss international shipping company, founded in 1970, MSC is also one of the largest shipping companies globally. With a capacity of approximately 4,287,000 TEUs, MSC’s commitment to competitive rates and fast transit times is supported by a network of experts across more than 675 offices worldwide.
2. APM-Maersk
Headquartered in Manchester and dating back to 1904, APM-Maersk boasts a fleet length capable of carrying around 738 containers. Known for its operational efficiency, the company has a capacity of approximately 4,275,000 TEUs, making it a powerhouse in international container shipping.
3. CMA-CGM
The French international shipping company CMA-CGM ranks third in container capacity. Founded in 1978, its fleet of over 568 vessels operates across more than 150 routes worldwide, with a capacity of around 3,198,000 TEUs.
4. COSCO Shipping Lines (China)
COSCO is renowned as a leading maritime shipping company operating in 40 countries. Despite ranking fourth, COSCO’s fleet of approximately 480 container vessels, along with 585,000 additional containers on order, reflects its flexibility and growth potential.
5. Hapag-Lloyd
The German international container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd was established in 1970 through a merger. With a fleet of over 250 vessels and a capacity of 1,983,000 TEUs globally, Hapag-Lloyd is a major player in the container shipping industry.
6. ONE – Ocean Network Express
Founded in 2017, ONE combines three major shipping companies: MOL, “K”-Line, and NYK. With a combined fleet of 209 ships and a container capacity of 1,531,000 TEUs, ONE is a massive alliance focusing on enhancing services in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
7. Evergreen Line
Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Taiwan, Evergreen Line is one of the largest cargo shipping companies worldwide. With over 204 container vessels and a capacity of 1,478,000 TEUs, Evergreen Line boasts some of the world’s largest container ships within its fleet.
8. Hyundai Merchant Marine
Based in South Korea, HMM plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development. Its fleet of 75 vessels and a capacity exceeding 820,000 TEUs make HMM a leading global integrated logistics company.
9. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Taiwan, Yang Ming operates across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australia. Its fleet of approximately 90 ships with a capacity of 662,000 TEUs makes it one of the oldest and largest shipping companies in the world.
10.Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd
Known as ZIM, this Israeli international shipping company owns a fleet of 111 ships with a total container capacity of 419,000 TEUs. Significant expansion in 2021 secured ZIM a spot among the world’s top 10 container shipping companies.
11. OOCL – Orient Overseas Container Line
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Hong Kong, OOCL is a container shipping and logistics service provider. With over 320 offices in more than 70 countries and a fleet of over 300 vessels, OOCL’s capacity reaches approximately 565,000 TEUs. The company operates vital container terminals, including Long Beach and Kaohsiung.
12. Pacific International Lines (PIL)
Headquartered in Singapore, PIL represents Southeast Asian shipowners. Founded in 1967, PIL operates around 164 multi-purpose vessels across more than 500 locations in 100 countries, with a capacity of approximately 347,000 TEUs. Its operations extend from the Far East to various global regions.
13. Wan Hai Lines
Headquartered in Singapore, PIL represents Southeast Asian shipowners. Founded in 1967, PIL operates around 164 multi-purpose vessels across more than 500 locations in 100 countries, with a capacity of approximately 347,000 TEUs. Its operations extend from the Far East to various global regions.
14. SITC International Holdings
Founded in May 1991 and headquartered in Hong Kong, SITC is a major player in shipping logistics. With 108 vessels (including 84 owned) operating across 75 service routes covering 17 countries and 76 major ports, SITC transported 3.262 million TEUs in 2022, emphasizing its critical role in global shipping.
15.KMTC – Korea Marine Transport Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1954 in Seoul, South Korea, KMTC has grown into one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. Its fleet of 50 vessels has a capacity of 99,000 TEUs and serves regions including India, Africa, Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan, China, and Russia.
16. Zhonggu Logistics Corporation
Based in China, Zhonggu Logistics Co Ltd provides tailored container logistics solutions. With a fleet of 100 vessels and a total capacity of 147,000 TEUs, the company mainly operates in China, maintaining a significant storage capacity of 400,000 containers across 200 ports.
17. X-Press Feeders
Headquartered in Singapore, X-Press Feeders/Sea Consortium operates a fleet of 110 ships (43 owned) with a total capacity of 144,000 TEUs. It also offers transshipment services, serving ports across Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Europe, the Gulf, and the Mediterranean.
18.IRISL – Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines
Based in Iran and founded in 1967, IRISL operates 115 ships with a capacity of 137,000 TEUs. It is a major maritime transport company in the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and Yellow Sea, contributing significantly to Iran’s maritime industry.
19. Unifeeder
Based in Denmark, Unifeeder provides efficient logistics solutions across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Africa. Handling approximately 5.5 million TEUs annually, its extensive fleet makes around 16,200 port calls in over 200 ports, acting as a critical link for international shipping lines.
20. SeaLead
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, SeaLead operates global offices and handles 1.15 million TEUs annually. Its diverse network covers the Far East, Indian subcontinent, Middle East, Africa, Mediterranean, Oceania, the United States, Red Sea, and Southeast Asia, leaving its mark on the competitive container shipping industry.
By 2024, the world’s top 20 container shipping companies represent a diverse and dynamic industry. As globalization continues to drive demand for efficient and reliable cargo transport, these companies play a crucial role in shaping the future of international trade. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction ensures they remain at the forefront of the container shipping sector.
While global shipping giants continue to lead the container shipping industry worldwide, Bader International Shipping
(BIS) contributes by offering premium shipping services that connect the Saudi market with global markets. The company provides integrated shipping solutions tailored to diverse client needs, focusing on reliable and secure container transportation through international ports.
