With ocean transportation and shipping serving as the lifeblood of the supply chain industry and infrastructure today, it is logical that people are curious about the largest ocean carriers, who they are, and what role they play in the market today. In the face of disruptions within the industry, current instabilities, and capacity and shipping issues BCOs face, the industry giants serve as a guide for how things might work under the right circumstances. 

According to Statista, ”Maritime shipping is the backbone of world trade; it is estimated that some 80 percent of all goods are carried by sea. In terms of value, global maritime container trade is estimated to account for around 60 percent of all seaborne trade, which was valued at around 14 trillion US dollars in 2019.” Technological innovations, forward-thinking, and customer-focused metrics are the driving forces that keep the largest ocean freight carriers, ranking high among competitors. Here are the top 10 container shipping companies today that handle shipping container volume in 2022.

Biggest Sea Shipping Companies: Top Ten by TEU Capacity

With a list of the largest ocean carriers, and an idea of what mark they are leaving on the industry, it is easier to see what ocean container companies are the ones to watch. The best ten companies by ocean freight capacity for 2022 include the following:

1. P. Moller–Maersk – 4.1m TEU

As one of the largest ocean shipping companies, with 708 vessels and 307 own container vessels, the Danish company continues to grow and expand with an additional 19,630 TEU capacity planned for its fleet in 2022-2023. 

2. Mediterranean Shipping Company – 3.8m TEU

Mediterranean Shipping Company is high ranking on the list of the largest ocean carriers with a fleet of more than 560 cargo vessels and a network of 70,000 employees servicing 155 countries at more than 500 ports worldwide.

3. COSCO Shipping Lines – 3.1m TEU

COSCO’s ranking among ocean cargo companies is attributable, in part, to its global footprint: 350 international and domestic ports in 105 countries; and 235 corporate offices (97 domestic, 138 global). 

4. CMA CGM Group – 2.7m TEU

Among the leading ocean freight carriers, CMA CGM Group oversees a fleet of 502 container shipping vessels, has nearly 110,000 employees, has a presence in 160 countries, and serves over 400 commercial ports and almost 80% of global ports.

5. Hapag-Lloyd – 1.7m TEU

German container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd ranks on the list of the largest ocean carriers thanks to 248 vessels, an estimated 7% market share of total global capacity, and a fleet of 77 container ships.

6. Ocean Network Express – 1.5m TEU

As one of the leading ocean cargo shipping companies, Singaprore-based ONE has nearly 8,000 people employed worldwide and covers more than 130 service areas weekly, with 120 countries on its growing port list.

7. Evergreen Line – 1.2m TEU

The famous and infamous Evergreen Line still makes the list of the largest ocean carriers with 333 vessels, including 20 12,000 TEU F-type vessels to cut down on emissions and meet shipper demand for sustainability and fuel efficiency.

8. Orient Overseas Container Line – 733,580 TEU

OOCL is a Hong Kong-based company that makes the list of biggest freight shipping companies and has a focused specialization in refrigerated cargo. Its 104 vessels operate across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia.

9. HMM – 728,416 TEU

On a list of 2022’s largest ocean carriers, Seoul, South Korea’s container visibility and tracking leader makes the cut with its 60 specialized sea routes and over 100 ports that ranks it high within the niche focus of the trans-Pacific trade route lanes.

10. Yang Ming – 616,000 TEU

The final entry on the current list of the largest shipping companies isYang Ming Marine Transport Corporation, a Taiwanese container shipping company with 95 freight and cargo vessels servicing Asia, Europe, America, and Australia.

Stay On top of Global Ocean Freight Transportation Lines With VIZION API

By watching and monitoring the largest ocean carriers on the seas today, shippers and carriers can learn lessons about what does and does not work in the volatile market. Mimicking the services and innovations that the largest ocean freight carriers and shippers implement can offer unique industry insights. Contact VIZION API to learn more about setting yourself apart in today's main shipping lines.