Discover the world's largest shipping companies ranked by CO2 emissions (WtW), updated for 2025. Our comprehensive analysis covers major global carriers and their CO2 emissions.
The podium below showcases the three largest shipping companies globally based on CO2 emissions (Well-to-Wake). These industry leaders represent the companies with the highest environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions.
CO2 emissions (WtW) is the central metric in our ranking system. It refers to the total CO2 emissions of a company. This factor best represents operational capacity, shipping network reach, and investment scale. A larger fleet not only increases route flexibility but also enhances reliability, resilience, and service frequency across global trade lanes.
The ranking process begins with data collection, gathering verified information from company financial reports, maritime industry associations, and trusted shipping databases.
Once collected, every data point undergoes a verification process where it is cross-referenced with multiple independent sources to confirm accuracy.
The next stage is analysis, where companies are ranked mainly by CO2 emissions (WtW). Secondary consideration is given to TEU capacity and overall shipping volume, offering a broader understanding of each company's logistical capabilities.
Finally, our rankings are updated quarterly, ensuring they reflect the latest changes, including new vessel acquisitions, fleet reductions, mergers, and operational shifts.
CO2 emissions (WtW) is more than a number—it indicates strategic commitment, investment capacity, and global competitiveness.
CO2 emissions (WtW) is a key indicator of a company's operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
CO2 emissions (WtW) is a key indicator of a company's environmental responsibility and sustainability efforts.
CO2 emissions (WtW) is a key indicator of a company's global reach and its ability to operate across different regions and trade lanes.
The comprehensive table below ranks the world's leading maritime shipping companies based on their CO2 emissions (Well-to-Wake). Additional metrics such as vessel count, distance traveled, and total voyages provide further context on each company's environmental impact.
| Rank | Company | CO2 Emissions (tonnes) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 191,368 |
| 2 | | 80,266 |
| 3 | | 32,733 |
| 4 |  | 28,555 |
| 5 |  | 23,864 |
| 6 |  | 21,342 |
| 7 |  | 20,679 |
| 8 |  | 14,500 |
| 9 |  | 13,606 |
| 10 |  | 12,933 |
| 11 |  | 25,522 |
| 12 |  | 2,857 |
| 13 |  | 602 |
Source: International Maritime Organization, 2025
The global shipping fleet continues to expand, with an average annual growth rate of 4,2% over the past five years.
Global container trade volume increased by 5,8% year-over-year, reaching 180 million TEUs.
The top 10 shipping companies now control 85% of global container capacity, up from 74% five years ago.
Source: World Shipping Council, 2025
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global maritime sector, with companies from China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan accounting for over 60% of the world's top 20 shipping lines by fleet size.
European shipping lines continue to be key players in the industry:
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