10 Biggest Shipping Companies

The global shipping industry is the backbone of international trade and economic growth, moving commodities and products across and between almost every nation on Earth. Without this vast network of vessels and ports, the global exchange of goods we've come to rely on would grind to a halt. As we sail through the mid-2020s, the industry finds itself at a crossroads, facing both unprecedented challenges and years of vast revenue increases.

While the pandemic's disruptions to supply chains and shipping lines have largely subsided since their peak from 2020 to 2023, the industry still faces rough seas in the face of geopolitical storms, particularly the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels. The attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels have also added far too much danger to one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha leads the list of biggest shipping companies by revenue.
The global shipping industry is crucial for international trade, with companies transporting goods between almost every nation worldwide.
Many major shipping companies are traded over-the-counter (OTC) in the U.S., which can involve higher trading costs and potentially lower returns for investors.
The shipping industry faces various risks, including volatile demand, weather-related delays, and potential damage to cargo or vessels.
The outlook for the industry likely means increasing capacity may outpace demand growth through 2025, potentially putting downward pressure on shipping rates.

Climate change has taken center stage, with new regulations like the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) in effect as of 2024. The industry is also rerouting due to major global trade pattern shifts. The concept of "friendshoring"—prioritizing trade with politically aligned nations—is gaining traction, potentially redrawing the map of international shipping routes. Meanwhile, emerging economies, particularly in Asia, are all-important in global shipping, both as sources of demand and as home to rapidly expanding port infrastructure.

Below, we present 10 of the giants in the industry, ranking the biggest shipping companies by revenue in the 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:trailing 12 months (TTM). Our list only includes firms available on exchanges in the U.S. or Canada through direct listings or 澳🃏洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:American depositary receipts (ADRs). It's worth noting that some foreign companies report semiannually, which may result in longer lag times for their financials. Otherwise, all data is current, from TradingView, and converted꧂ using current exchange rates to U.S. dollars from the home exchange currency when necessary.

Warning

Some of the stocks below are only traded 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:over-the-counter (OTC) in the U.S., not on exchanges. Trading OTC stocks often carries higher trading costs than trading stocks on exchanges. This can lower or even outweigh♎ potential returns.

1. A. P. Møller - Mærsk A/S (AMKBF)

🐻 Th📖e Denmark-based Mærsk operates a worldwide fleet of tankers, supply ships, terminals, and other vessels. In addition, the company also explores for and produces oil and gas and operates industrial businesses.

Mærsk had a strategic partnership with IBM to develop blockchain-based products under the banner of TradeLens for the shipping industry. However, despite signing up carriers representing about three-fifths of the container market, TradeLens was shuttered in 2023 for not being commercially viable.

澳洲幸运5官ಞ方开奖结果体彩网:2. COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co. Ltd.🦹 (CICOF)

The Hong Kong-listed arm of COSCO Shipping, the company has a massive fleet engaged across various industry segments, including container, dry bulk, and tanker shipping. It's seen some effects from slowing growth in China's economy and geopolitical tensions, especially between China and the U.S. The company is also investing heavily in automation technologies to streamline production and cut costs.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:3. Hapag-Lloyd AG (HPGLY)

German transportation company Hapag-Lloyd is a multinational whose cargo liner ships serve all continents. In addition to sea ꦓtransport, it ships by 🌺air, road, rail, and inland waterways.

The company reported record earnings in 2024 because of high freight rates. Hapag-Lloyd is investing in fleet expansion, including acquiring more eco-friendly vessels to meet international environmental standards.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:4. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NP๊NYY)

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is a transportation and logistics company with services between international and domestic ports. Based in Japan, the company's primary businesses include container transportation, cruise lines, specialized carriers, and logistics.

Like many in the sector, the company had record profits during many quarters from 2021 to 2023 because of pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and high freight rates. More recently, it's been focusing on diversifying its business, with investments in 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:logistics and offshore wind energy, even as its container shipping operations continue to have significant growth. The company raised its earnings guidance in 2024 because of stronger performance in this segment, despite global supply chain uncertainties.

The shipping industry is grappling with increasing compliance costs, including those associated with the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS), which came into effect for ships calling at EU ports in 2024. The ETS requires ships to buy carbon credits, significantly affecting operational costs and pushing the industry toward greener practices. Many shipping lines are adꦆjusting to decrease their ETS costs, leading to changes in𒐪 sailing schedules and greater complexity for shipping routes.

5. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MSLOY)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is a marine transportation, cargo handling, and warehousing company based in Japan. The company transports coal, grain, logs, cement, metals, cars, and paper and chemical products. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines operates 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:container ships, ferries, oil tanker🅠s, and specialized ♏vessels.

The company has recently focused on expanding its renewable energy logistics capabilities. Among its major investments in decarbonization efforts, the company has brought online a wind turbine installation vessel, highlighting a shift toward sustainable energy projects.

澳洲幸运5官方🍎开奖结果体彩网:6. Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (KAIKY)

Japanese company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha—better known as "K" Line—is a marine cargo firm. The company transports a variety of materials, including petroleum, cars, grain, and iron ore. In addition, "K" Line provides warehousing, land transportation, and insurance services.

The firm is another prominent Japanese shipping company with strong financial performances during the early 2020s shipping boom. Like its peers in Japan, it's been working to burnish its green credentials, such as launching 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:liquefied natural gas-powered ships and adopting other technologies to cut carbon emissions.

The tensions between China and the U.S. have greatly shifted global shipping patterns. In recent years, Mexico has replaced China as the U.S.'s largest trading partner, while Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh have increased their share of exports to America.

7. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd (ZIM)

The Israeli firm ZIM is a 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:publicly owned international shipping company on the New York Stock Exchange since goin🐬g public in 2021. It own🦩s and leases container ships, including specialty vessels such as refrigerated ships and oil tankers. The company is based in Israel, though it has regional headquarters in the U.S., Germany, and Hong Kong.

The company has a relatively young fleet and is known for its expertise in niche markets and customer service. It's also been working to expand its services in Asia and Latin America and has launched new eco-friendly container ships to cut emissions and comply with global environmental standards.

澳🦹洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:8. Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S (DPBSF)

Dampskibsselskabet Norden is based in Copenhagen, Denmar🍒k, and traded on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Doing business as NORDEN, offers global shꦿipping services for dry cargo and product tankers.

Like others on this list, DPBSF has been working to greatly expand its decarbonization efforts, for example, signing a pact with BHP Group Limited (BHP) for biofuels. In 2024, it closed on its acquisition of Norlat Shipping, an operator specializing in bulk commodities like forest products.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:9. Matson Inc. (MATX)

Matson is a transportation and logistics company serving the North American market. Matson focuses on domestic and international rail intermodal service and highway brokerage. It offers 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:less-than-load shipping, supply chain services, and third-party log꧑istics.

A key player in shipping to the Pacific with a strong presence in the Jones Act trade, it's reported strong earnings in recent years as it benefits from high demand in Hawaii and Asia. The company has also expanded its fleet to improve its key market services.

澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:1♛0. Orient Overseas International Lt🅷d. (OROVF)

Orient Overseas is a Hong Kong-based🍎 shipping company that provides transportation and logistics services through subsidiaries. The company owns and leases ships, operates terminals, transports containers, and provides freight forwarding services. It also has property, securities investments, and equipment leasing businesses.

A subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Holdings, its revenues have increased significantly in the 2020s as it's been expanding its service network and digital capabilities.

Is Shipping a High Risk Industry?

Yes. Demand can be volatile, and having to send large freight ships without a full load can massively reduce profits. Natural disasters and weather can also delay shipments, which reduces revenue. Ships, trains, and trucks can also break down or get damaged, which could damage or even des🎐troy the cargo.

What is the Outlook for the Shipping Industry?

The end of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a boom in container shipping and a drop in the rates that shipping companies can charge. Industry estimates show that capacity will increase more than demand through 2025, which could place more downward pressure on prices. There have also been shifts from ships to other modes of transport as capacity has reached its limit in many areas of the globe, whether from piracy and other attacks in the Red Sea or drought in the area of the Panama Canal.

Is Investing in Shipping a Good Idea?

Investing in shipping businesses can be risky because of the variability of shipping rates and the industry's exposure to risk factors like weather, geopolitical upset, and shifts in regulation. Investors who can accept 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:volatility in their investments may find that shipping compa🌄nies present a good opportunity, but investors looking for a low-risk option should likely look elsewhere.

What is Jones Act Trade?

This refers to domestic shipping routes within the U.S. governed by the 澳洲幸运5官方开奖结果体彩网:Jones Act, a federal law enacted in 1920. The act mandates that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports must be carried on ships built, owned, and operated by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The act significantly affects shipping costs and vessel availability in the U.S. since foreign-flagged ships are prohibited from engaging in these routes.

The Bottom Line

The global shipping industry is navigating a complex landscape of challenges. These 10 major players face new hurdles while recovering from pandemic-era disruptions, including geopolitical ꦬtensions, stringent environmental regulations, and shifting trade patterns.

Despite these challenges, the top shipping companies, listed according to revenue, are adapting through technological shifts, strategic investments, and operational changes. The industry has a reason for cautious optimism, though it's often steering through significant storms in an unpredictable global environment. Investors and industry watchers should closely monitor how these top firms navigate evolving regulations, geopolitical risks, and the push for sustainability, as they will likely shape the industry's future and determine the market leaders in the years to come.