Top Container Shipping Companies in August 2025: Global Leaders Driving Trade
The top container shipping companies play a critical role in keeping the world’s supply chains moving, delivering goods across oceans and connecting economies. As of August 2025, according to Alphaliner data, the industry is led by a small group of powerful carriers competing fiercely for market share.
MSC – The Global Giant at the Helm
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) stands unchallenged at the top of the top container shipping companies list. Boasting a remarkable capacity of 6,768,227 TEU, MSC commands 20.8% of the global market. The company’s ambitious orderbook of 133 vessels signals the company’s determination to retain its dominance well into the future. MSC focuses on both scale and service innovation.
Maersk – The Logistics Powerhouse
Notably, in second place is Maersk, operating 4,619,020 TEU and holding a 14.2% share of the global container fleet. Maersk continues to strengthen its position with 49 ships on order, investing heavily in integrated logistics solutions and sustainable shipping technology to maintain its status among the world’s largest container carriers.
CMA CGM – Expanding Ambitions
CMA CGM secures third place among the top container shipping companies with 4,020,137 TEU and a 12.3% market share. Its 94-ship orderbook demonstrates a bold growth strategy, aimed at boosting capacity and expanding its global service network.
COSCO Shipping – China’s Maritime Force
Holding fourth position, COSCO Shipping operates 3,435,918 TEU, representing 10.5% of the global fleet. COSCO remains a key player in connecting Asia with major trade routes worldwide, supported by 71 vessels on order.
Hapag-Lloyd – Europe’s Steady Contender
In addition, Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd ranks fifth with 2,399,240 TEU and a 7.4% market share. The company’s 31 ships on order highlight a balanced approach to expansion, emphasizing efficiency and service quality.
ONE and Evergreen – Pacific Powerhouses
Ocean Network Express (ONE) holds sixth place with 2,091,988 TEU (6.4% market share) and 49 ships on order, while Evergreen Marine follows with 1,858,308 TEU (5.7% share) and an identical orderbook. Both carriers are expanding strategically to strengthen their competitive positions in the Asia-Pacific market.
Emerging Players – HMM, ZIM, and Yang Ming
Furthermore, rounding out the top container shipping companies, HMM manages 941,019 TEU (2.9% share) with seven ships on order. Israeli carrier ZIM operates 761,715 TEU (2.3%) with 14 ships in development, and Yang Ming of Taiwan holds 726,031 TEU (2.2%) with 18 ships on order. Therefore, while smaller in scale, these carriers remain influential in niche markets and regional trade lanes.
The Future of the Top Container Shipping Companies
Meanwhile, the competition among the top container shipping companies is intensifying, with massive fleet expansions, greener technologies, and shifting trade patterns all shaping the industry’s future. However, as orderbooks turn into operational capacity, the global rankings could change, but the importance of these carriers to world trade is certain to remain.
