According to new research by Denmark’s Sea-Intelligence, the landscape of the global shipping industry has seen massive changes over the past 25 years. Of the 50 largest container shipping lines in 2000, only 24 remain today. But what’s truly remarkable is how these surviving carriers have adapted and grown.
Capacity:
Since 2000, the collective capacity of these 24 survivors has skyrocketed from 2.5 million TEU to a staggering 26.7 million TEU by 2025 – that’s an astonishing 983% growth (an average annual growth of 10%, continuously over the past 25 years)
Market:
Over the same period, 26 new carriers have entered the top 50, representing just 6% of the global fleet, compared to the 84% controlled by the established players. This highlights the strong development of the long-established companies, which continue to dominate the market.
Fast Fleet Expansion:
The growth of the global container fleet has been nothing short of explosive. In just seven years, we’ve seen the leap from 20 million TEU to 30 million TEU. It took the industry 50 years to hit the 5 million TEU milestone – but the last decade has been a whole different story!
Looking back over the past 25 years, the global transportation industry has demonstrated a powerful and continuous transformation. The capacity and fleet size of these shipping companies have grown exponentially, and this development not only reflects the strength of the long-established companies but also highlights significant changes in the structure and strategy of the global shipping industry. These changes showcase the adaptability and innovative capabilities of shipping companies, helping them maintain a strong position in a market marked by volatility and fierce competition.
