In the dynamic world of global shipping, container lines are the arteries of international trade. The latest Container Lines Rankings by TEU capacity reveal the current landscape of major shipping players, with notable shifts in market share and fleet expansion. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 container shipping companies as of May 2025, based on the data sourced from AlphaLiner and presented by Container News.
1. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company)
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TEU Capacity: 6,624,809
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Market Share: 20.6%
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Orderbook: 127 vessels
MSC maintains a firm grip on the top spot, leading the global market with over 6.4 million TEU capacity. Its massive orderbook reflects aggressive fleet expansion, signaling long-term dominance.
2. A.P. Møller – Maersk
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TEU Capacity: 4,567,747
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Market Share: 14.2%
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Orderbook: 52 vessels
Once the unchallenged leader, Maersk now holds the second position. Despite a smaller orderbook compared to MSC, it remains a powerhouse known for innovation and digital transformation in logistics.
3. CMA CGM
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TEU Capacity: 3,949,808
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Market Share: 12.3%
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Orderbook: 97 vessels
The French giant continues its growth trajectory, with a robust orderbook that could bring it closer to Maersk. CMA CGM’s global reach and strategic investments in ports and logistics keep it competitive.
4. COSCO Shipping
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TEU Capacity: 3,369,473
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Market Share: 10.5%
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Orderbook: 69 vessels
China’s shipping behemoth COSCO holds a significant market share and is a key player in connecting Asia with global markets, backed by state support and infrastructure development.
5. Hapag-Lloyd
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TEU Capacity: 2,412,697
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Market Share: 7.5%
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Orderbook: 32 vessels
Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd remains strong in the transatlantic and Latin American trade routes. While its orderbook is smaller, the company emphasizes efficiency and customer service.
6. ONE (Ocean Network Express)
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TEU Capacity: 2,033,115
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Market Share: 6.3%
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Orderbook: 44 vessels
Formed from the merger of Japan’s largest shipping lines, ONE has quickly built a sizable fleet. Its vibrant branding and strategic partnerships keep it in the competitive top 10.
7. Evergreen Marine
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TEU Capacity: 1,816,359
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Market Share: 5.6%
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Orderbook: 53 vessels
Taiwan-based Evergreen is well-known for its large container vessels and continues expanding its fleet aggressively to maintain its global relevance.
8. HMM (Hyundai Merchant Marine)
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TEU Capacity: 944,539
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Market Share: 2.9%
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Orderbook: 7 vessels
South Korea’s flagship carrier, HMM, focuses on quality over quantity. Despite a modest fleet size, it’s known for ultra-large vessels serving long-haul routes.
9. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
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TEU Capacity: 767,071
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Market Share: 2.4%
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Orderbook: 14 vessels
Israel’s ZIM focuses on niche and regional markets with a lean operational model. Its agility and digital-first approach allow it to punch above its weight.
10. Yang Ming Marine Transport
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TEU Capacity: 713,101
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Market Share: 2.2%
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Orderbook: 8 vessels
Rounding out the top 10, Taiwan’s Yang Ming maintains its role in the Asia-Pacific trade routes. Though it has a smaller fleet, its strategic alliances help it stay competitive.
This Container lines rankings underscores the continued concentration of market power among a few major players. As demand for global trade evolves, these container lines are investing heavily in new vessels, sustainability, and digital technology to stay ahead. MSC’s commanding lead, combined with the substantial orderbooks of CMA CGM and others, shows a clear race to dominate not just in volume but in innovation and efficiency as well.
