Top 15 Largest Shipping Companies in the World

1. A.P. Moller-Maersk Group

TEU Capacity: 3.52 million

On the top spot is A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, which is the largest shipping company in the world, having 651 vessels, including 249 company-owned and 402 chartered ships. Maersk is a Danish business conglomerate, which aside from being the largest container ship and supply vessel operator for nearly two decades, is also engaged in the logistics and energy sectors. Last year, Maersk announced that it would split into two separate divisions: transport & logistics and energy. The divisions within the Energy unit, which includes Maersk Oil, Maersk Drilling, Maersk Supply Service, and Maersk Tankers, will either remain in the Maersk Group, or will be separated as joint ventures, mergers, or a listing. A decision regarding the split is expected by 2018.

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These are the top 15 largest shipping companies in the world based on their TEU capacity. Even though these companies operate many ships and are among the leaders in their regions, some companies are still struggling. Given the current environment, it’s likely that the industry consolidation will continue and giants like Maersk will target smaller players.

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