Maersk’s cargo capacity grew at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% in 2024, to 4 million 307,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

One of the world’s largest shipping companies, this company has a fleet of 707 vessels.

At year-end 2024, Maersk’s fleet consisted of 308 owned and 399 chartered vessels, of which 138,000 TEU or 3.2% of the fleet was inactive (20 vessels), mainly due to repairs.

Maersk’s cargo capacity

The company operates in more than 130 countries, has approximately 100,000 employees and manages 76 port terminals worldwide through its subsidiary APM Terminals.

The order backlog for the program to build ships capable of running on green fuels by the end of 2024 was 37. 

Maersk provides shipping services from 300 ports worldwide and delivers more than 12 million containers per year.

Competition 

The market is highly concentrated. The three main shipping lines, A.P. Moller-Maersk Line, MSC and CMA-CGM, control about 46.7% of global capacity. Consequently, the remaining companies account for the remaining 53.3% of the total capacity. This data corresponds to December 2023, according to Alphaliner.

Environment

Maersk advances its commitment to sustainability and its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions. In 2024, it added seven methanol dual-fuel vessels with a total capacity of 113,000 TEU. In addition, it initiated the purchase of 50 to 60 additional owned and time-chartered vessels with a capacity of 800,000 TEU. 

As part of its fleet renewal program, Maersk maintains a disciplined approach to capital expenditures and optimizes its operating capacity.

Maersk launched its first green bond in November 2021 and raised €500 million ($537 million). This 10-year financing supported the construction of green methanol ships. Then, in September 2023, it issued another green bond for $750 million to boost clean transportation projects.