By Rayan Amir – The Logistic News | March 5, 2025

In a landmark shift for the global shipping industry, CMA CGM has overtaken Maersk to claim the position of the world’s second-largest container shipping company. This milestone reflects CMA CGM’s aggressive expansion strategy and signals a transformation in the competitive rankings of the shipping industry.

Strategic Expansion Fuels CMA CGM’s Rise

According to the latest data from Alphaliner, CMA CGM’s fleet, including ships on order, now stands at 5.42 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units), surpassing Maersk’s 5.28 million TEU. This development follows a period of rapid expansion, with CMA CGM being one of the most active carriers in acquiring new and secondhand vessels in 2025.

The company has placed substantial investments into its fleet, securing multiple LNG dual-fuel 18,000 TEU vessels at CSSC Jiangnan Shipyard. This follows a $2.6 billion order for another dozen 18,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel ships from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. These investments have positioned CMA CGM as a dominant player in the race for market share and fleet modernization.

The Changing Landscape of Global Shipping

While CMA CGM has climbed to second place, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) continues to lead the global rankings with a fleet capacity of 8.47 million TEU—larger than the combined fleets of CMA CGM and Maersk. Maersk, meanwhile, has opted for a different strategic path, focusing on maintaining a fleet range of 4 to 4.4 million TEU while shifting its business model toward integrated logistics services.

This shift marks the latest chapter in the ongoing evolution of the container shipping industry, where carriers are balancing expansion, sustainability, and digital transformation to stay competitive.

A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

CMA CGM, founded in 1978 by Jacques Saadé, has consistently expanded through strategic acquisitions, including Australian National Line (ANL) and American President Lines (APL). Since 2018, under the leadership of Rodolphe Saadé, the company has further integrated logistics operations and pursued ambitious sustainability initiatives.

In contrast, Maersk, once the undisputed leader in global shipping, has recalibrated its focus toward becoming a fully integrated logistics provider. This shift contributed to MSC surpassing Maersk in 2021 to become the world’s largest shipping line, and now, CMA CGM’s rise signals another strategic realignment in the industry.

Implications for the Global Shipping Market

CMA CGM’s ascent underscores the broader shifts in the global shipping landscape, where scale, sustainability, and strategic diversification play crucial roles in determining market leadership. As container shipping continues to evolve, industry players will closely watch how CMA CGM’s growth trajectory impacts trade routes, freight rates, and the competitive balance among major carriers.

With further fleet expansions on the horizon, CMA CGM is solidifying its position as a formidable force in global logistics. The question now is whether it can challenge MSC for the top spot in the years to come.

For more exclusive updates on global shipping and logistics trends, stay tuned to The Logistic News.

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