The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is on the verge of a significant milestone, set to become the first shipping liner to command a 20% global market share since Maersk achieved this briefly in early 2018. This development highlights MSC’s impressive growth and strategic acumen in the intricate realm of international trade.

This impending achievement coincides with MSC’s preparation to end its 10-year partnership with Maersk next year, marking the termination of their 2M vessel-sharing agreement. While these maritime behemoths have taken different paths in recent years, MSC has risen as a dominant force, breaking historical tonnage records in both new builds and the secondhand market. In contrast, Maersk has concentrated on its logistics integrator strategy, targeting a fleet size within the 4 million to 4.4 million TEU range. Data from Alphaliner reveals that MSC’s current global market share is 19.9%, demonstrating its exceptional growth trajectory. The Swiss carrier is projected to surpass the 6 million TEU mark this year, an accomplishment never before seen in liner shipping history. Meanwhile, Maersk has been forging new alliances, including the formation of the Gemini Cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd, scheduled to launch in February 2025.

The shift in industry dynamics became apparent in January 2022 when MSC overtook Maersk as the top-ranked global liner, as tracked by Alphaliner. With the inclusion of order books, France’s CMA CGM has also outpaced Maersk in size. Analysts have lauded MSC’s rapid ascent, attributing its organic growth strategy as a key success factor.

Peter Sand, Lead Analyst at Xeneta, a freight rate platform, commented, “While absolute scale is one thing, the pace at which MSC has leapfrogged Maersk to runway ahead is spectacular.” This achievement undoubtedly signals continued growth potential for the Swiss carrier. Beyond its cargo division, MSC also holds the distinction of being the world’s third-largest cruise line, further diversifying its portfolio and cementing its status as a global maritime leader.

As MSC navigates towards unprecedented market dominance, the shipping industry is bracing for a new era characterized by innovation, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. With its sights set on the horizon, MSC is well-positioned to shape the future of global trade and redefine the boundaries of maritime success.