Top 10: Sea Freight Companies

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Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the top 10 sea freight companies
Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the top 10 sea freight companies, including industry leaders such as Maersk, Evergreen and Ocean Network Express

Sea freight companies are the unsung heroes of the global economy, quietly powering the world’s trade by transporting nearly 90% of goods across oceans.

Picture a vast network of more than 50,000 merchant ships, operated by nearly two million seafarers from more than 150 countries, working in harmony to move products seamlessly across borders.

By 2024, this immense industry handles around 180 million TEUs annually, moving everything from raw materials to everyday consumer products. Each month, 16 million TEUs make their journey across the seas, keeping economies connected and supply chains running smoothly.

These companies not only move goods efficiently but also fuel global economic growth by offering cost-effective transport solutions. Generating more than half a trillion US dollars annually in freight rates, the sea freight industry is a true economic powerhouse, ensuring that the world’s needs are met – whether it’s food, clothing or technology – one ship at a time.

Here, Supply Chain Digital takes a look at the top 10 sea freight companies.

10. Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation

Founded: 1972​​​​​​​
Employees: 5,000​​​​​​​
CEO: Cheng Cheng-Mount​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$9.16bn 

(Credit: Yang Ming)

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation stands tall in the bustling world of global freight shipping.

With a diverse fleet of container vessels, the company expertly navigates various trade routes, seamlessly connecting key ports across continents. 

Whether it’s full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL) shipments, it handles each delivery with finesse.

Known for its unwavering reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction, Yang Ming embraces cutting-edge technologies for vessel tracking, ensuring every cargo journey is efficient and hassle-free.

9. COSCO Shipping Lines

Founded: 1961​​​​​​​
Employees: 130,000​​​​​​​
CEO: Lirong Xu
Revenue: US$84.13bn 

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COSCO Shipping Lines stands as a powerhouse in the global freight shipping arena, renowned for its comprehensive maritime transport services.

With an impressive fleet of container vessels, it expertly connects ports across the globe, driving international trade forward.

Offering container shipping, intermodal transport and specialised cargo handling, it prioritises efficiency and reliability.

By leveraging advanced technologies for vessel tracking and cargo management, COSCO plays a vital role in global supply chains, delivering tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes, from all sectors.

8. ZIM

Founded: 1945​​​​​​​
Employees: 4,900​​​​​​​
CEO: Eli Glickman​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$12.56bn 

(Credit: ZIM)

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services delivers an impressive array of freight shipping solutions tailored to diverse needs.

From dry cargo and reefer shipments to specialised services, ZIM has it all covered.

Its inland transport options are seamlessly integrated with advanced technologies like ZIMonitor for real-time cargo tracking.

Emphasising a delightful blend of digital convenience and personal service, features such as myZIM Personal Area and eB/L Service ensure effortless document access.

7. Wan Hai Lines

Founded: 1965​​​​​​​
Employees: 5,000​​​​​​​
CEO: Tommy Hsieh​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$6.1bn 

(Credit: Wan Hai Lines)

Wan Hai Lines, a leading container shipping company hailing from Taiwan, is renowned for its comprehensive freight services throughout Asia and beyond.

With a modern fleet of container vessels, it offers reliable and efficient transportation solutions, specialising in intra-Asia routes that connect major ports in the region.

Dedicated to timely deliveries and exceptional customer service, Wan Hai Lines maintains high standards of quality. By harnessing advanced technologies for vessel tracking and cargo management, it ensures seamless logistics operations for valued clients.

6. Evergreen

Founded: 1968​​​​​​​
Employees: 10,000​​​​​​​
CEO: Yen-I Chang
Revenue: US$20.89

(Credit: Evergreen)

Evergreen Marine Corp stands out as a significant force in global container shipping, delivering comprehensive freight services across the world.

With an impressive fleet of vessels, it connects more than 315 locations spanning Asia, America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Africa.

Committed to sustainability, Evergreen aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050. Its services include booking, tracking and scheduling, enhanced by innovative digital tools like online dashboards and e-Reports for efficient cargo management.

5. Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Founded: 2017​​​​​​​
Employees: 8,000​​​​​​​
CEO: Jeremy Nixon​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$30.1bn 

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Ocean Network Express (ONE) is a dynamic force in global container shipping, delivering comprehensive freight services across the globe.

As part of the Premier Alliance with HMM and Yang Ming Marine Transportation, ONE boasts extensive coverage with more than 80 direct port calls across Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. Committed to reliability and flexibility, ONE also emphasises sustainability and innovation.

With exciting new East-West products set to launch in February 2025, it aims to enhance its global network and adapt to evolving customer needs.

4. Hapag-Lloyd

Founded: 1970​​​​​​​
Employees: 13,800​​​​​​​
CEO: Rolf Habben Jansen​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$26.36bn 

(Credit: Hapag-Lloyd)

Hapag-Lloyd shines as a premier global container shipping company, offering comprehensive freight services along key trade routes.

With a modern fleet of container vessels, it connects ports worldwide, playing a vital role in facilitating international trade.

Hapag-Lloyd excels in container shipping, special cargo handling and inland transportation solutions – all while emphasising sustainability and a commitment to reducing CO2 emissions.

By harnessing advanced digital tools for booking and tracking, it provides customers with efficient and transparent logistics solutions, solidifying its status as a key player in global supply chains.

3. CMA CGM

Founded: 1978​​​​​​​
Employees: 110,000​​​​​​​
CEO: Rodolphe Saadé​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$74.5bn 

(Credit: CMA CGM)

CMA CGM stands tall as a global leader in maritime transport and logistics, offering a comprehensive range of freight shipping services that span the globe.

Operating a vast fleet of container vessels, the company connects major ports across continents, facilitating international trade with flair.

Its operations cover all facets of the supply chain, from container shipping and inland transportation to specialised cargo handling.

Recently, CMA CGM expanded its horizons by launching CMA CGM AIR CARGO’s first transpacific service, showcasing its dedication to providing diverse transportation solutions. The company champions innovation and digital transformation, equipping customers with advanced tools for tracking shipments, accessing schedules and obtaining pricing information.

2. Maersk

Founded: 1904​​​​​​​
Employees: 100,000​​​​​​​+
CEO: Vincent Clerc​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$51.1bn 

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Maersk is a powerhouse in integrated container logistics and supply chain services, proudly standing as one of the world’s largest container shipping companies.

Annually, it moves an impressive 12 million containers, effortlessly connecting ports across the globe. With a comprehensive range of transportation options, including ocean, air and ground freight, Maersk truly covers all bases.

Its ocean transport capabilities are particularly remarkable, serving more than 300 ports worldwide and offering both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) options, along with specialised services for break-bulk cargo.

Emphasising innovation and digital transformation, Maersk equips customers with advanced tools for tracking shipments and obtaining pricing information. 

1. MSC

Founded: 1970​​​​​​​
Employees: 100,000+
CEO: Soren Toft​​​​​​​
Revenue: US$28.2bn 

(Credit: MSC)

MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) stands as a global titan in container shipping, providing comprehensive freight solutions that span air, land and sea.

Renowned for its tailored services, MSC prides itself on meeting specific customer needs with a team of industry experts available around the clock for personalised assistance. Its extensive container fleet and global port coverage ensure efficient and professional shipping services worldwide.

With operations encompassing various cargo types and destinations, MSC focuses on delivering fast and reliable transit times. Its versatile solutions cater to diverse industries, including specialised services for project cargo and perishable goods like fruits.

Sustainability and safety are paramount at MSC, as they actively participate in initiatives to promote net-zero fuels in the shipping sector.

The company continuously updates its services, including emergency operation surcharges and sailing schedule adjustments to maintain operational excellence.


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