Shipping companies are the backbone of international logistics, transporting goods across oceans and continents. Understanding which companies lead the pack can provide insights into the state of global commerce and emerging trends in maritime logistics. This guide offers a quick way to familiarize yourself with the top 50 shipping companies by fleet size.
1. Maersk Line
Overview and Fleet Size
Maersk Line, a part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and is renowned for its extensive global presence. As the largest shipping company in the world, Maersk operates over 700 vessels, including some of the most modern and eco-friendly mega container ships. Their ships are a common sight in major ports across continents, handling millions of containers every year.
Key Markets and Services
Maersk is a global leader in shipping services, offering container shipping, logistics, and terminal operations. They serve most major trade lanes and are particularly strong in routes between Europe and Asia.
2. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Overview and Fleet Size
MSC, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, closely follows Maersk in scale, operating a fleet of around 600 ships. They are known for their rapid expansion and ability to quickly adapt to market demands.
Key Markets and Services
MSC provides worldwide container shipping services with a strong presence in all major ports. They are known for their flexibility and competitive pricing, making them a preferred choice for shippers.
3. COSCO Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO), based in Shanghai, China, has a significant fleet that includes over 500 vessels. COSCO merged with China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) in 2016, significantly boosting its fleet size and market reach.
Key Markets and Services
COSCO’s operations are vast, covering major global trade routes, particularly those connecting Asia with Europe and the Americas. They are pivotal in supporting China’s export economy.
4. CMA CGM Group
Overview and Fleet Size
Headquartered in Marseille, France, CMA CGM operates more than 500 ships, making it one of the largest shipping lines in the world. It stands out for its investment in large capacity vessels and advanced technology.
Key Markets and Services
CMA CGM’s network is extensive, with a strong emphasis on routes linking North America, Europe, and Asia. They are also leaders in environmentally sustainable maritime transport.
5. Hapag-Lloyd
Overview and Fleet Size
With a history that spans over 170 years, Hapag-Lloyd is based in Hamburg, Germany, and has a fleet comprising over 250 vessels. They are known for their reliability and high service standards.
Key Markets and Services
Hapag-Lloyd offers a comprehensive array of container shipping services, focusing on transatlantic, transpacific, and Europe-Asia trade routes. They are committed to digital solutions and customer service excellence.
6. Evergreen Marine
Overview and Fleet Size
Evergreen Marine, based in Taiwan, is one of the most recognizable names in shipping, operating a fleet of approximately 200 vessels. The company is known for its iconic green-colored ships and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Key Markets and Services
Evergreen Marine offers extensive container shipping services globally, with a strong emphasis on Asia, North America, and Europe. Their services are enhanced by a commitment to eco-friendly practices and innovation in shipping technology.
7. OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)
Overview and Fleet Size
OOCL, headquartered in Hong Kong, operates a smaller but highly efficient fleet of around 100 vessels. Despite its relatively smaller size, OOCL is renowned for its high levels of service and operational excellence.
Key Markets and Services
OOCL’s key service areas include Asia, North America, and Europe. They are known for their advanced information technology and data systems, which ensure efficient and reliable shipping services.
8. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation
Overview and Fleet Size
Yang Ming, based in Keelung, Taiwan, operates a fleet of about 100 ships. The company is known for its efficient service and strong customer relations.
Key Markets and Services
Yang Ming provides comprehensive global shipping services with a strong focus on Asia. They are also committed to sustainability, investing in eco-friendly ships and practices.
9. Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)
Overview and Fleet Size
HMM, based in Seoul, South Korea, has rapidly expanded its fleet to over 100 vessels, making it one of the fastest-growing shipping companies in recent years.
Key Markets and Services
HMM specializes in transpacific and Asia-Europe routes, offering competitive services with a focus on expanding their eco-friendly fleet to meet modern environmental standards.
10. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services
Overview and Fleet Size
ZIM, headquartered in Haifa, Israel, operates a fleet of about 100 vessels. This company is known for its innovative approaches and agility in adapting to changing market conditions.
Key Markets and Services
ZIM offers a range of shipping services worldwide, with particular strengths in the Mediterranean and North American routes. They are pioneers in digital shipping solutions and customer-centric services.
11. Pacific International Lines (PIL)
Overview and Fleet Size
Headquartered in Singapore, Pacific International Lines (PIL) has grown to operate about 150 vessels, making it one of the largest ship owners in Southeast Asia. PIL is known for its strong network within Asia and Africa.
Key Markets and Services
PIL specializes in container shipping, focusing particularly on Asia and Africa routes. They are committed to expanding their service offerings and improving their operational efficiencies to better serve these growing markets.
12. Wan Hai Lines
Overview and Fleet Size
Wan Hai Lines, based in Taipei, Taiwan, operates a fleet of over 90 vessels. They are recognized for their dense coverage in Asia and are now expanding their network globally.
Key Markets and Services
Wan Hai provides consistent and reliable container shipping services primarily within Asia. Their strategic focus on regional routes has allowed them to maintain high service frequencies and competitive transit times.
13. NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha)
Overview and Fleet Size
NYK Line, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the oldest and largest shipping companies in the world, with about 800 vessels including bulk carriers, tankers, and container ships.
Key Markets and Services
NYK Line offers a diverse array of maritime services, including container shipping, specialized cargo, and logistics. They are a leader in innovation, focusing on environmentally friendly ships and advanced technology to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
14. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
Overview and Fleet Size
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, also based in Tokyo, Japan, operates a fleet of over 800 vessels. MOL is known for its diversified operations that include specialized ships for different types of cargo.
Key Markets and Services
MOL provides extensive global shipping services with a focus on specialized cargo like automobiles, chemicals, and energy. Their commitment to safety and the environment is reflected in their advanced fleet and operational practices.
15. Teekay Corporation
Overview and Fleet Size
Teekay, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, primarily operates tanker ships but has a significant presence in the container ship sector with about 150 vessels. Teekay is known for its leadership in the maritime energy sector.
Key Markets and Services
Teekay specializes in the transportation of oil and gas, but also has operations in the container shipping sector. Their services are crucial for energy markets worldwide, emphasizing safety and environmental responsibility.
16. Hamburg Süd Group
Overview and Fleet Size
Hamburg Süd, based in Hamburg, Germany, operates around 130 vessels, making it one of the key players in the global shipping industry. Known for its robust service within the North-South trade routes, Hamburg Süd has a strong presence in South American markets.
Key Markets and Services
Hamburg Süd specializes in container shipping with a particular focus on refrigerated cargo and bulk commodities. They offer extensive service networks between Europe, Asia, and South America, and are highly regarded for their customer service and reliable shipping solutions.
17. K Line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha)
Overview and Fleet Size
K Line, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operates a diverse fleet of about 520 vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, and car carriers. They are known for their high operational standards and innovative approaches to maritime transport.
Key Markets and Services
K Line serves a wide range of industries with a strong emphasis on automobile transportation and bulk commodities. Their global reach includes major trade lanes in Asia, Europe, and North America, providing versatile shipping solutions across different cargo types.
18. Swire Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
Swire Shipping, based in Singapore, operates a smaller fleet of about 130 vessels but is well-respected for its specialized services and regional expertise in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Markets and Services
Swire Shipping offers multipurpose shipping services, capable of handling containerized, bulk, and breakbulk cargo. They focus on providing tailored shipping solutions within the Asia-Pacific, emphasizing their deep understanding of local markets and conditions.
19. Grimaldi Group
Overview and Fleet Size
The Grimaldi Group, based in Naples, Italy, manages a fleet of over 130 vessels, focusing on RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel operations, container services, and ferry services across a wide geographical area.
Key Markets and Services
Grimaldi excels in transporting cars, trucks, and other heavy machinery. Their expansive network includes the Mediterranean, North Europe, West Africa, and South America. They are also known for their environmental initiatives, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of their fleet operations.
20. Bahri
Overview and Fleet Size
Bahri, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, operates around 90 vessels, primarily serving the oil sector but also active in the general cargo and container shipping markets.
Key Markets and Services
Bahri is one of the global leaders in oil transportation, linking key markets in the Middle East with Asia, Europe, and North America. They also provide general cargo and container shipping, leveraging their strategic position in the Middle East to serve global trade effectively.
21. Seaspan Corporation
Overview and Fleet Size
Seaspan Corporation, part of Atlas Corp, is based in Hong Kong and Vancouver and is known for its large fleet of container ships, which includes over 120 vessels. Seaspan specializes in long-term, fixed-rate charters to major container shipping liners.
Key Markets and Services
Seaspan primarily provides its vessels on long-term leases to the world’s largest container shipping companies, offering predictable revenues and strong relationships with industry leaders.
22. UASC (United Arab Shipping Company)
Overview and Fleet Size
UASC, merged with Hapag-Lloyd, was based in the Middle East and operated a significant number of vessels focusing on container shipping.
Key Markets and Services
Prior to its merger, UASC offered extensive container services between the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, known for its large container vessels and innovation in environmentally friendly technologies.
23. Intermarine
Overview and Fleet Size
Intermarine, headquartered in New Orleans, USA, operates a specialized fleet focused on heavy-lift and project cargo, with a significant presence in global markets, particularly in the Americas and Asia.
Key Markets and Services
Intermarine is known for its project cargo services, providing transportation for heavy and oversized cargoes essential for industries such as oil and gas, mining, and infrastructure projects.
24. SITC International Holdings
Overview and Fleet Size
Based in Hong Kong, SITC operates around 80 container vessels, primarily serving the intra-Asia market. They are known for their regional focus and reliable service.
Key Markets and Services
SITC provides container shipping and logistics services within Asia, supporting regional trade and commerce with frequent and reliable shipping schedules.
25. Antong Holdings (QASC)
Overview and Fleet Size
Antong Holdings, also known as Ansheng Shipping, is a major logistics and shipping company in China, operating a significant fleet focused on container shipping within and beyond Asia.
Key Markets and Services
Antong Holdings provides integrated transportation and logistics services, including container shipping, freight forwarding, and supply chain solutions, focusing heavily on the Chinese market and Asia.
26. Sinokor Merchant Marine
Overview and Fleet Size
Sinokor Merchant Marine, based in South Korea, operates a fleet that specializes mainly in container shipping. They manage around 50 vessels and are known for their significant intra-Asia trade routes, as well as services extending to North America and Europe.
Key Markets and Services
Sinokor provides regular container line services and also engages in the bulk and tanker shipping markets. Their strategic focus on intra-Asia routes makes them a critical player in regional logistics and trade.
27. Polaris Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Polaris Shipping operates a focused fleet of bulk carriers. They are one of the largest operators of very large ore carriers (VLOCs) in the world.
Key Markets and Services
Polaris is primarily involved in the transportation of bulk commodities such as iron ore and coal, serving major global industries like mining and resources. Their fleet includes some of the largest bulk carriers operational today.
28. D’Amico International Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
Based in Italy, D’Amico International Shipping is engaged in the management and operation of tanker vessels and the provision of international shipping services, specializing in the transportation of refined petroleum products.
Key Markets and Services
D’Amico’s fleet primarily transports refined oil products across global markets, with strong safety and environmental standards. They are known for their high-quality vessel operations and strategic partnerships in the energy sector.
29. Heung-A Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
Heung-A Shipping, another South Korean company, has a fleet focusing on container shipping and chemical transportation. They operate primarily in the intra-Asia trade routes.
Key Markets and Services
Heung-A offers comprehensive logistic solutions with a strong emphasis on containerized goods and chemicals, catering to the demands of rapidly growing Asian markets. Their services include integrated sea transportation, which is critical for regional chemical and manufacturing industries.
30. TORM
Overview and Fleet Size
TORM, based in Copenhagen, Denmark, is one of the leading carriers of refined oil products worldwide. Their fleet consists of approximately 80 tanker vessels, including both MR tankers and LR1s.
Key Markets and Services
TORM’s operations focus on the tanker sector, providing reliable and flexible transportation solutions for crude oil and refined products globally. They are noted for their high operational standards and commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
31. Berge Bulk
Overview and Fleet Size
Berge Bulk, based in Singapore, is one of the world’s largest dry bulk owners. Their fleet, comprising over 70 massive bulk carriers, including some of the largest in the world, specializes in transporting iron ore, coal, and other essential commodities.
Key Markets and Services
Berge Bulk operates globally but with a significant presence in major bulk trading routes across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are known for their efficiency and commitment to environmental sustainability, operating one of the most eco-friendly fleets in the bulk sector.
32. Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Overview and Fleet Size
Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Wallenius Wilhelmsen operates a large fleet of RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels, which specialize in carrying automobiles, heavy machinery, and breakbulk cargo.
Key Markets and Services
Wallenius Wilhelmsen provides global transportation and logistics solutions primarily for the automotive and heavy equipment sectors. Their services include ocean transportation, inland services, and supply chain management, making them a key player in automotive logistics.
33. Star Bulk Carriers
Overview and Fleet Size
Star Bulk Carriers, based in Athens, Greece, is one of the largest shipping companies in the bulk sector, with a fleet of over 120 vessels. They transport a wide range of major and minor bulk commodities, including iron ore, coal, grain, and fertilizer.
Key Markets and Services
Star Bulk operates globally, offering reliable and efficient transportation solutions. Their fleet includes a mix of vessels from Supramax to Newcastlemax, ensuring flexibility and capability for various cargo sizes and routes.
34. Scorpio Tankers
Overview and Fleet Size
Scorpio Tankers, headquartered in Monaco, is one of the world’s leading providers of marine transportation for petroleum products. With a fleet of over 100 modern product tankers, they are a significant player in the tanker industry.
Key Markets and Services
Scorpio Tankers primarily transports refined petroleum products globally. They focus on offering safe, reliable, and efficient service, with a fleet that includes MR, Handymax, and LR2 tankers, suited for different volumes and trades.
35. Atlas Maritime
Overview and Fleet Size
Atlas Maritime, also based in Athens, Greece, operates a smaller, versatile fleet of tankers. They specialize in transporting crude oil and petroleum products worldwide.
Key Markets and Services
Atlas Maritime provides flexible and comprehensive transportation solutions for the oil industry. Their operations focus on safety and efficiency, managing a fleet that can adapt to changing market conditions and client needs.
36. Safe Bulkers
Overview and Fleet Size
Safe Bulkers, based in Monaco, operates a fleet of bulk carriers that transport dry bulk cargo such as grain, coal, and iron ore. Their fleet includes Panamax, Kamsarmax, and Post-Panamax vessels, dedicated to efficient and safe sea transport.
Key Markets and Services
Safe Bulkers services global trading routes, specializing in the transportation of bulk cargo. Their operational strategy focuses on safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability, aiming to minimize the environmental impact of their shipping operations.
37. GasLog
Overview and Fleet Size
GasLog, headquartered in Monaco, focuses on the transportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG). With a fleet primarily composed of LNG carriers, GasLog is integral to the global energy supply chain.
Key Markets and Services
GasLog’s services are critical in meeting the increasing global demand for energy, especially in regions reliant on LNG. They provide highly specialized transportation services, ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of LNG across oceans.
38. Navios Maritime Holdings
Overview and Fleet Size
Navios Maritime Holdings, based in Monte Carlo, Monaco, operates a diverse fleet of bulk carriers and tankers. They are involved in the transportation of bulk goods like minerals and grains as well as petroleum products.
Key Markets and Services
Navios provides comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions with a focus on cost efficiency and service reliability. They have a robust presence in international shipping routes, servicing global demand for bulk and liquid cargoes.
39. Golden Ocean Group
Overview and Fleet Size
Golden Ocean Group, based in Bermuda, is a leading international dry bulk shipping company. Their fleet consists of Panamax, Capesize, and Ultramax vessels, which transport a broad range of bulk commodities worldwide.
Key Markets and Services
Golden Ocean Group’s shipping services are crucial for industries such as construction and manufacturing, which rely on the transportation of raw materials. They are known for their operational excellence and strategic fleet management to optimize service delivery.
40. Dynagas LNG Partners
Overview and Fleet Size
Dynagas LNG Partners, based in Athens, Greece, specializes in the ownership and operation of LNG carriers. Their fleet is designed to meet the specialized demands of transporting liquefied natural gas in a safe and efficient manner.
Key Markets and Services
Dynagas provides seaborne transportation for major energy companies and utilities worldwide. Their focus on LNG transportation aligns with the global shift towards cleaner energy sources, supporting the delivery of LNG to markets that are transitioning away from traditional energy sources like oil and coal.
41. Genco Shipping & Trading
Overview and Fleet Size
Genco Shipping & Trading, based in New York, USA, operates a fleet of bulk carriers that transport major bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, and other goods. Their fleet includes a variety of vessels such as Capesize, Ultramax, and Supramax ships.
Key Markets and Services
Genco is known for its operational efficiency and reliability, serving global trade routes and focusing on comprehensive maritime transport solutions for dry bulk cargo. They emphasize strong operational performance and fleet management to meet the needs of their international customers.
42. Euronav
Overview and Fleet Size
Euronav, headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, is one of the largest tanker companies in the world, specializing in the maritime transport of crude oil. The company’s fleet consists of VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers) and Suezmax vessels, which are among the largest tanker sizes.
Key Markets and Services
Euronav’s operations are global, serving the international oil industry. They are known for their commitment to safety and environmental standards, striving to provide efficient and sustainable transport solutions for crude oil.
43. Eagle Bulk Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
Eagle Bulk Shipping, based in Stamford, USA, specializes in the dry bulk shipping sector. Their fleet primarily consists of Supramax and Ultramax vessels, adept at transporting a wide range of bulk commodities.
Key Markets and Services
Eagle Bulk Shipping focuses on global trade routes, providing flexible and efficient solutions for transporting bulk goods such as fertilizers, coal, grains, and metals. They are known for their advanced on-board technology and a customer-centric approach to service.
44. Knightsbridge Shipping
Overview and Fleet Size
Knightsbridge Shipping, based in Hamilton, Bermuda, operates a fleet primarily composed of dry bulk carriers. Their vessels are geared towards transporting bulk commodities like coal, grain, and iron ore across international waters.
Key Markets and Services
Knightsbridge Shipping serves major global trading routes, focusing on efficiency and reliability in the dry bulk sector. Their operational strategy is to leverage high-quality vessels and industry expertise to meet the demands of bulk commodity transportation.
45. Hoegh Autoliners
Overview and Fleet Size
Hoegh Autoliners, headquartered in Oslo, Norway, is a leading global provider of RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vehicle transportation services. Their fleet specializes in the carriage of automobiles, heavy machinery, and other rolling stock.
Key Markets and Services
Hoegh Autoliners operates on a worldwide scale, offering tailored logistics solutions for the automotive industry. They are known for their high-capacity vessels and innovative transport solutions, facilitating the global movement of new and used vehicles efficiently and safely.
46. Frontline Ltd.
Overview and Fleet Size
Frontline Ltd., based in Hamilton, Bermuda, is one of the world’s largest oil tanker shipping companies. They operate a modern fleet primarily consisting of VLCC, Suezmax, and LR2/Aframax vessels designed for the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products.
Key Markets and Services
Frontline is renowned for its strategic management of tanker operations and its commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. They serve global oil markets, ensuring reliable and efficient transportation of petroleum products across extensive trade routes.
47. Costamare Inc.
Overview and Fleet Size
Costamare Inc., headquartered in Athens, Greece, is primarily involved in the ownership and operation of container ships. They lease their fleet, comprising over 70 vessels, to leading global shipping lines through long-term charters.
Key Markets and Services
Costamare focuses on providing dependable container shipping capacities, maintaining operational excellence, and fleet expansion to serve increasing global trade demands. Their strategy emphasizes long-term stability and profitability in the competitive shipping market.
48. Diana Shipping Inc.
Overview and Fleet Size
Diana Shipping Inc., also based in Athens, Greece, specializes in the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels. Their fleet includes a variety of ships such as Panamax, Kamsarmax, Post-Panamax, and Capesize, all dedicated to transporting bulk commodities like iron ore, coal, and grain.
Key Markets and Services
Diana Shipping serves the global commodity market, focusing on securing long-term charters that provide stable revenue streams. They are known for their conservative management approach and strong operational track record in the dry bulk sector.
49. Ardmore Shipping Corporation
Overview and Fleet Size
Ardmore Shipping Corporation, based in Cork, Ireland, operates a fleet of product and chemical tankers used for transporting petroleum products and chemicals worldwide. Their fleet is tailored to be flexible and efficient, catering to the needs of the global chemical and oil industries.
Key Markets and Services
Ardmore is committed to high standards of customer service, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility. They focus on the medium-range tanker sector, aiming to provide superior transport solutions and logistical services.
50. Scorpio Bulkers
Overview and Fleet Size
Scorpio Bulkers, now known as Eneti Inc. following its transition away from dry bulk shipping to focus on renewable energy, was previously based in Monaco. It operated a substantial fleet of dry bulk vessels, catering primarily to the transportation of bulk commodities such as grain, coal, and iron ore.
Key Markets and Services
Before its rebranding to Eneti Inc., Scorpio Bulkers was known for its modern and efficient fleet of bulk carriers. They focused on maximizing operational efficiency and were recognized for their innovative approach in the bulk shipping sector. Post-transition, the company is now focusing on the offshore wind energy sector, providing vessels and services to support this renewable energy industry.
This curated list represents the forefront of the maritime industry, featuring companies that excel in fleet size and operational prowess. From bulk carriers to container ships and tankers, these entities not only facilitate global trade but also shape economic landscapes. Whether you’re an industry professional, an investor, or simply curious about global trade dynamics, this guide serves as a valuable resource for quickly understanding the key players in today’s shipping world. With their vast fleets and strategic market roles, these top 50 companies continue to navigate the complex currents of international shipping, driving connectivity in an increasingly globalized economy.
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