Global Maritime Companies Ranking by
Volume Transported
Top Container Shipping Companies by Annual TEU Volume in 2025.
Total Companies Analyzed
180
Combined Fleet Capacity
12.000+
Global TEU Capacity
120M+
Top 3 Maritime Companies with the largest TEU volume transported
Discover the leading global shipping companies ranked by total TEU volume transported, updated for 2025. This ranking focuses on container throughput and highlights carriers based on the number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) moved annually across global trade lanes. Our comprehensive analysis reveals the most operationally efficient shipping lines with the greatest cargo flow capacity.
2
Lexzau, Scharbau GmbH & Co. KG
150
million of TEU Transported
1
Pan Continental Shipping Co,. Ltd.
241.816
million of TEU Transported
3
Tarros
145
million of TEU Transported
1
Pan Continental Shipping Co,. Ltd.
241.816
million of TEU Transported
2
Lexzau, Scharbau GmbH & Co. KG
150
million of TEU Transported
3
Tarros
145
million of TEU Transported
Understanding Maritime Rankings
Key Ranking Criteria
Volume Transported (in million TEU)
Primary FactorTotal TEUs transported annually is the core metric in this ranking. It provides an accurate indicator of a company’s real-world shipping performance, reflecting how effectively their fleet is deployed across international containerized trade routes.
Our Methodology
01
Data Collection
We compile TEU volume data from company financial statements, shipping manifests, regulatory filings, and third-party maritime intelligence providers.
02
Verification
All reported TEU figures are cross-verified with multiple sources, including port authorities, trade databases, and carrier networks, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
Global Maritime Companies Ranking
This data-driven table ranks container shipping lines by the total number of TEUs transported annually. It provides a clear picture of each carrier’s contribution to the world’s freight flows and their real-world shipping footprint. Additional indicators such as fleet capacity, number of ports served, and route density help contextualize their position in the global trade ecosystem.
| Rank | Company | Volume Transported (M TEU) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 241.816 |
| 2 | | 150 |
| 3 | | 145 |
| 4 |  | 24.5 |
| 5 |  | 22 |
| 6 |  | 11.9 |
| 7 |  | 11.9 |
| 8 |  | 7.3 |
| 9 |  | 5.5 |
| 10 |  | 5.04 |
Global Shipping Industry Insights
Global Shipping Market Size by Segment
Container Shipping$180B
Bulk Carriers$110B
Tankers$95B
Other Segments$75B
Source: International Maritime Organization, 2025
Industry Growth Trends
TEU Throughput Growth+5,8%
Global container volume has seen an average increase of 5,8% year-over-year, with carriers transporting over 180 million TEUs in total by 2025.
Performance Efficiency+9,3%
Rather than increasing fleet size, many carriers are improving operational efficiency by optimizing vessel utilization, route density, and fuel performance.
Regional Distribution & Leadership in Global Shipping
Asia-Pacific Dominance
Asia-based carriers continue to lead in TEU transport.
- Companies from China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan move the majority of global containers, supported by strong manufacturing exports and port infrastructure
European Maritime Tradition
European shipping lines focus on maximizing TEU per vessel, leveraging large container ships and strategic routing.
- MSC, based in Switzerland, is a key player with top-tier TEU volumes globally
Frequently Asked Questions
How are companies ranked in this list?
Companies are ranked based on the total number of twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) transported annually.
How is TEU different from fleet size?
Fleet size refers to the number of vessels operated by a company, while TEU volume measures how much containerized cargo those vessels have actually moved.