MSC strengthened its position as the world’s largest container carrier in 2025, while APM Terminals moved up to third place among global container terminal operators, according to DynaLiners data.
MSC carried approximately 30 million TEUs during 2025, an 11.1% increase from 27 million TEUs in 2024. The carrier widened its lead over its closest competitors, with COSCO Shipping ranking second at 27.44 million TEUs and Maersk third at 25.88 million TEUs.
MSC’s growth was stronger than that of the other major carriers. COSCO’s container volumes increased 5.8%, while Maersk recorded 4.9% growth. As a result, MSC’s lead over COSCO expanded to around 2.57 million TEUs, compared with approximately 1.06 million TEUs a year earlier.
CMA CGM remained fourth with 24.24 million TEUs, up 2.8%, while Hapag-Lloyd handled 13.49 million TEUs, an 8.2% increase. Across the 12 leading liner operators tracked by DynaLiners, combined volumes reached 164.15 million TEUs, representing 5.2% growth.
In the separate terminal-operator ranking, APM Terminals handled 59.3 million TEUs, up 11% from 53.2 million TEUs in 2024. The increase lifted the Maersk-linked terminal operator from fourth to third place, overtaking COSCO Shipping Ports.
PSA International retained the top position with 69.9 million TEUs, while China Merchants Port ranked second with 66 million TEUs. COSCO Shipping Ports moved to fourth with 58.2 million TEUs.
MSC also featured prominently in the terminal rankings. Its terminal operations handled 51.1 million TEUs, an increase of 15% from 44.4 million TEUs in 2024, placing the group fifth among global terminal operators.
The figures highlight the growing influence of vertically integrated shipping groups, which are expanding their presence across both ocean transportation and terminal operations. MSC, Maersk/APM Terminals and other major carriers increasingly operate or hold interests in container terminals around the world.
The trend has significant implications for the competitive structure of the container shipping industry. Greater terminal ownership can give carriers increased control over berth capacity, cargo handling and operational coordination, potentially supporting network reliability and efficiency.
APM Terminals is also continuing to expand its strategic terminal footprint. Earlier this month, Hapag-Lloyd agreed to acquire a 25% stake in APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam, strengthening its long-term access to automated terminal capacity and supporting the Gemini Cooperation between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk.
The latest rankings therefore show that competition among global shipping groups is extending beyond vessel capacity. Container terminal ownership and control are becoming increasingly important elements of carrier strategy, as operators seek greater influence over key nodes in international supply chains.