Career Focus on the Top 10 Global Shipping Companies
For those interested in shipping jobs, this article gives insights into the leading shipping companies in the world in 2024. These organisations are driving the industry forward and embracing tremendous change in the sector.
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is the largest privately-owned Swiss international cargo shipping company in the world. It was created in 1970 and offers a total ‘Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit’ (TEU) capacity of approximately 4.3m. MSC is well-known for offering competitive rates and fast transit times supported by a team operating out of more than 675 offices globally.
APM-Maersk
Formed in the early 20th Century in Denmark, APM-Maersk manages a fleet of around 740 container ships. With a strong brand in the industry, APM-Maersk offers a TEU capacity of approximately 4.28m which means that it plays a significant role in global shipping.
CMA-CGM
CMA-CGM was established in France in 1978 and has grown to become the third largest shipping company globally with a TEU capacity of approximately 3.2m. The company boats a fleet of close to 570 ships and covers more than 150 routes across the world.
COSCO – China Ocean Shipping Company
A leading player in the shipping industry, Chinese firm COSCO operates out of 40 countries and manages a fleet of approximately 480 container ships. With a TEU capacity of almost 1.6m, this company is primed for growth.
Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd was created in 1970 because of a merger. This German container shipping company carries a fleet of over 250 ships and offers a TEU capacity of almost 2m.
ONE – Ocean Network Express
A fairly new company, established in 2017, ONE is an integration of three major shipping companies – MOL, K-Line and NYK. Boasting an overall fleet of over 200 vessels and a carrying capacity of over 1.5m TEU, ONE is a leading force particularly in Asia, South America and Africa.
Evergreen Line
Based in Taiwan, Evergreen Line was formed in 1968 and is one of the biggest cargo shipping companies in the world. With a fleet of over 200 container ships and a carrying capacity of almost 1.5m, Evergreen Line holds claim to the largest container ships globally.
Hyundai Merchant Marine
HMM Co. Ltd hails from South Korea and is a major success story for the country. Offering a fleet of 75 vessels and a carrying capacity of over 800,000 TEU, HMM Co. Ltd is one of the world’s leading integrated logistics companies.
Yang Ming Marine Transport
Established in 1972 in Taiwan, Yang Ming Marine Transport proudly covers Asia, Europe, America and Australia. With a fleet of almost 100 ships and a container carrying capacity of approximately 660,000 TEU, Yang Ming Marine Transport has a rich heritage and staying power.
Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd
Known in the industry as ZIM, this shipping company from Israel boasts a fleet of over 110 ships and offers a container carrying capacity of almost 420,000 TEU. Following huge expansion in 2021, ZIM has a secure position within the top 10 container shipping companies globally.
The top 10 shipping companies in the world cover multiple countries and therefore play a tremendous role in international trade and global supply-chain management. These companies are driving innovation and sustainability in the shipping industry. So, for those looking for a career in shipping, these firms are a great place to start.
