Global Maritime Companies Ranking by
Fleet Capacity

Leading Shipping Companies by Total Fleet Capacity (GT & DWT) in 2025.

Total Companies Analyzed

180

Combined Fleet Capacity

12.000+

Global TEU Capacity

120M+

Top 3 Maritime Companies with the largest fleet capacity in million TEU

This ranking lists the world’s largest maritime companies based on total fleet capacity, measured by gross tonnage (GT) and deadweight tonnage (DWT). Updated for 2025, this classification highlights the shipping lines with the greatest physical cargo-carrying capabilities, regardless of the number of ships operated.

1
Mediterranean Shipping Compagny
Mediterranean Shipping Compagny
Switzerland
6.3
million of TEU
2
CMA CGM Group
CMA CGM Group
France
5
million of TEU
3
A.P. Moller - Maersk
A.P. Moller - Maersk
Denmark
4.4
million of TEU

Understanding Maritime Rankings

Key Ranking Criteria

Fleet Capacity (in million TEU)

Primary Factor

Fleet capacity reflects the maximum volume a shipping line can move at any given time. It is calculated using the gross tonnage (for overall size) and deadweight tonnage (for cargo-carrying ability) across the entire fleet.

Our Methodology

01

Data Collection

We source tonnage data from vessel registries, fleet databases, classification societies, and verified carrier disclosures.

02

Verification

Each vessel’s capacity is confirmed across multiple databases to ensure accurate GT and DWT metrics.

03

Analysis

Companies are ranked based on cumulative GT and/or DWT. Capacity per vessel and average vessel size are also assessed to understand efficiency.

04

Quarterly Updates

Fleet capacity is updated quarterly to reflect new vessel deliveries, scrapping activity, and reflagging.

Why Fleet Capacity Matters in Shipping Rankings

Fleet capacity reflects a carrier’s true transport potential—measuring the actual space available to move goods, not just the number of ships.

Cargo-Handling Power

AHigh gross tonnage (GT) and deadweight tonnage (DWT) translate into the ability to serve heavy or high-volume cargo contracts and long-distance routes efficiently.

Scalability & Flexibility

Larger capacity vessels enable carriers to consolidate shipments, reduce voyage frequency, and meet peak demand without adding more ships—reducing cost and emissions.

Asset Investment Depth

Total fleet capacity reveals a company’s capital strength and investment in advanced vessels designed for fuel efficiency, regulatory compliance, and global compatibility.

Global Maritime Companies Ranking

The comprehensive table below ranks the world's leading maritime shipping companies based on their fleet capacity. Additional metrics such as number of ships and volume transported provide further context on each company's market position.

RankCompanyFleet Capacity (M TEU)
1
Mediterranean Shipping Compagny		6.3
2
CMA CGM Group		5
3
A.P. Moller - Maersk		4.4
4
COSCO Shipping		3.3
5
Hapag-Lloyd		2.3
6
Ocean Network Express		1.9
7
Evergreen marine Corporation OR Evergreen Line		1.75
8
Hyundai Merchant Marine		0.9
9
ZIM Integrated Shipping		0.78
10
Yang Ming Line		0.72

Global Shipping Industry Insights

Global Shipping Market Size by Segment

Container Shipping$180B
Bulk Carriers$110B
Tankers$95B
Other Segments$75B

Industry Growth Trends

Tonnage Expansion Trends +3,4% DWT

Global DWT and GT continue to rise, even as the number of ships remains stable. This is driven by the deployment of larger, higher-capacity vessels that optimize cargo volume per trip.

Fleet Modernization 2,200+ new vessels

Leading carriers are accelerating investments in next-generation ships with greater efficiency and lower emissions to comply with IMO 2030 environmental goals.

Port Compatibility 20% ports are ULCV-compatible

Only a select group of deepwater terminals worldwide are equipped to handle the largest container vessels. This creates a geographical advantage for carriers with access to these strategic ports.

Regional Distribution & Leadership in Global Shipping

Asia-Pacific Growth

Asian carriers lead in bulk tonnage and container vessel size, with COSCO and ONE expanding capacity in response to manufacturing exports.

European Maritime Tradition

MSC and Maersk operate among the highest average capacity ships in the world, giving them an edge on long-haul, high-volume corridors:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GT and DWT?
Gross Tonnage (GT) refers to the total internal volume of a vessel, including all enclosed spaces. It is primarily used for regulatory and classification purposes. Deadweight Tonnage (DWT), on the other hand, measures the maximum weight a vessel can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, provisions, and crew. In fleet capacity rankings, DWT is the preferred indicator for understanding actual transport capability, while GT provides context about vessel size and potential port restrictions.
Why does fleet capacity matter more than ship count?
The number of vessels alone does not indicate a carrier’s transport strength. A company may operate many small ships but move less cargo than a competitor with fewer, larger vessels. Ranking by total fleet capacity provides a clearer picture of a company’s potential to serve high-volume trade lanes, optimize fuel efficiency, and meet port infrastructure requirements. It also reflects investment in modern vessels designed for sustainable, large-scale operations.
Do these rankings include all ship types?
Fleet capacity data is gathered from official sources like IMO vessel registries, classification societies, fleet management systems, and AIS-based analytics. Each vessel’s specifications (GT, DWT, and type) are cross-referenced to ensure consistency. In case of discrepancies between databases, priority is given to figures published by recognized classification authorities such as DNV, ABS, or Lloyd’s Register.
How is this data validated?
We update the rankings every three months to reflect fleet expansions, scrapping of outdated vessels, or reflagging activities. Shipbuilding deliveries and orders are also tracked closely to anticipate future capacity trends, especially as environmental regulations and fuel efficiency standards influence new builds.

Explore Other Rankings

01

Fleet Size

Ranking by number of ships

Compare shipping companies based on the total number of vessels in their fleet

View Fleet Size ranking
02

Volume Transported

Ranking by million TEU transported

See which shipping companies move the largest volume of containers globally

View Volume Transported ranking
03

Fleet Capacity

Ranking by container fleet capacity (M TEU)

Compare the total carrying capacity of shipping company fleets worldwide

View Fleet Capacity ranking
04

Ports Coverage

Ranking by number of covered ports

Compare shipping companies based on their global port coverage and network reach

View Ports Coverage ranking
05

Global Presence

Ranking by presence in number of countries

See which shipping companies have the widest global footprint across different countries

View Global Presence ranking
06

Maritime Routes

Ranking by number of maritime lines

Discover which companies offer the most extensive network of maritime shipping routes

View Maritime routes ranking
07

Energy Efficiency

Ranking by EEDI (gCO2 per TEUkm)

Compare the Energy Efficiency Design Index of different shipping companie.

View Energy Efficiency ranking
08

Operational Efficiency

Ranking by annual CO2 reduction (EEOI)

See which companies are improving their Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator the fastest

View Operational Efficiency ranking
09

Container Safety

Ranking by containers lost (% of moved TEU)

Compare companies based on their container safety record and loss prevention

View Container Safety ranking
10

Total Emissions Reduction

Ranking by annual CO2 reduction (total operations)

See which companies are reducing their total carbon footprint the fastest

View Total Emissions Reduction ranking
11

Fleet Emissions Reduction

Ranking by annual CO2 reduction (fleet only)

Compare companies based on how quickly they re reducing their fleet emissions

View Fleet Emissions Reduction ranking
12

Alternative Fuels

Ranking by fleet % using biofuels or dual-fuel engines

Discover which companies are leading in the adoption of cleaner fuel technologies

View Alternative Fuels ranking
13

Fleet Emissions

Total fleet emissions (ktons CO2eq, Scope 1)

Compare the absolute emissions from shipping fleets without adjusting for company size

View Fleet Emissions ranking
14

Total Company Emissions

Total company emissions (ktons CO2eq)

See the total carbon footprint of shipping companies including all operations

View Total Company Emissions ranking