MSC leads carriers as APM Terminals climbs global terminal ranking

MSC and APM Terminals strengthened their positions across global container shipping rankings in 2025, according to DynaLiners. MSC remained the world’s largest container carrier by volumes carried, while APM Terminals climbed to third place in the global terminal operator ranking.

MSC carried 30 million TEU during the year, up 11.1% from 27 million TEU in 2024. COSCO Shipping remained second with 27.435 million TEU, while Maersk ranked third with 25.884 million TEU. In the separate terminal operator ranking, APM Terminals handled 59.3 million TEU, up 11% from 53.2 million TEU in 2024, lifting the company from fourth to third place.

MSC increases lead over COSCO and Maersk

MSC recorded stronger growth than its nearest competitors in 2025. COSCO Shipping’s volumes increased 5.8%, from 25.939 million TEU in 2024 to 27.435 million TEU, widening the gap between MSC and COSCO from about 1.06 million TEU in 2024 to 2.57 million TEU in 2025. Maersk recorded growth of 4.9%, with volumes rising from 24.676 million TEU to 25.884 million TEU, meaning MSC’s lead over Maersk increased from about 2.32 million TEU to 4.12 million TEU. CMA CGM remained fourth, carrying 24.24 million TEU, up 2.8%, while Hapag-Lloyd followed with 13.486 million TEU, an increase of 8.2%.

PIL posts strongest percentage growth

PIL recorded the highest percentage increase among the 12 liner operators included in the DynaLiners table, with volumes rising 16.7% to 2.58 million TEU. MSC followed with growth of 11.1%, while Hapag-Lloyd increased 8.2%, COSCO Shipping grew 5.8%, Maersk 4.9% and Evergreen 3.6%. HMM recorded growth of 3.1%, ONE increased 1.4% and Wan Hai edged up 0.6%. Two carriers recorded lower volumes: Yang Ming’s carryings declined 6.3% to 4.419 million TEU, while ZIM fell 2.3% to 3.663 million TEU. Overall, the 12 liner operators carried a combined 164.147 million TEU in 2025, up 5.2%, with DynaLiners estimating total worldwide liner carryings at 194.086 million TEU, growth of 4.1%.

MSC and APM Terminals feature among terminal leaders

A separate DynaLiners terminal operator ranking places MSC and APM Terminals among the world’s five largest terminal operator groups by handled volumes. PSA retained first place, handling 69.9 million TEU, up 4%. China Merchants Port remained second with 66 million TEU, an increase of 8%. APM Terminals climbed from fourth to third after its volumes increased 11% to 59.3 million TEU, overtaking COSCO Shipping Ports, which moved from third to fourth despite recording 7% growth to 58.2 million TEU. MSC ranked fifth among terminal operator groups, with volumes increasing 15% to 51.1 million TEU. DP World advanced from seventh to sixth place after recording 12% growth to 49.4 million TEU, while Hutchison Ports moved from fifth to seventh despite its volumes increasing 3% to 47.6 million TEU.

CMA CGM records fastest terminal operator growth

CMA CGM posted the strongest percentage growth among the Top 10 terminal operator groups, with volumes increasing 22% to 15.8 million TEU while retaining eighth place. MSC followed with 15% growth, DP World increased 12%, APM Terminals and ICTSI each grew 11%, China Merchants Port increased 8%, COSCO Shipping Ports rose 7%, Yilport grew 6%, PSA increased 4% and Hutchison Ports recorded 3% growth. Combined volumes among the Top 10 terminal operator groups reached 441.1 million TEU in 2025, up 9%, with their share of estimated global container port throughput increasing to 44% from 43% a year earlier.