Maersk overtaken by MSC as world’s largest container line

Integrated logistics company, Maersk is no longer the world’s largest container line with Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) taking the lead.

Data compiled by Alphaliner, an online tool that tracks the capacities of the world’s top 100 liners, showed that the Danish carrier has been toppled from the top ranking position that was held for more than quarter of a century.

Alphainer’s data published on Wednesday showed that MSC’s fleet can carry 4,284,728 standard 20-foot containers, 1,888 more than Maersk, giving both a market share of 17 percent. 

MSC has about 65 percent of its capacity from chartered ships whereas Maersk only has 42 percent.

Maersk is an industry pioneer that often breaks records by building the biggest ships. It still has the most capacity in terms of owned vessels. 

Image Source: Alphaliner TOP 100 / 07 Jan 2022