CMA CGM set to overtake Maersk as world’s second-largest carrier by 2027
Maersk’s decline in rankings is a deliberate choice to prioritize long-term stability over sheer fleet size.
GLOBAL – CMA CGM is expected to overtake Maersk as the world’s second-largest container shipping line by the end of 2027, according to comments by CMA CGM chairman Rodolphe Saadé and industry analysts, reflecting diverging fleet and business strategies.
Speaking to the French business daily Les Echos, Saadé said the Marseille-based carrier is on track to overtake the Danish company within the next 18 months. According to Linerlytica, the change in ranking could occur as early as July 2027.
According to Alphaliner, Mediterranean Shipping Co. remains the world’s largest container carrier with around 7.3 million TEU of capacity, while Maersk ranks second with about 4.7 million TEU, followed by CMA CGM with approximately 4.4 million TEU.
Diverging Fleet and Business Strategies
The shift follows differing fleet strategies. While Maersk has focused on its integrated logistics business, CMA CGM has continued to expand vessel capacity alongside investments in terminals, logistics, air cargo, and inland transport.
The remaining gap is expected to narrow as CMA CGM’s current orderbook enters service. Maersk’s decline in rankings is a deliberate choice to prioritize long-term stability over sheer fleet size.
Hua Joo Tan, founder of Linerlytica, said: “Maersk’s fall in the rankings is entirely self-inflicted as it has failed to pivot away from its logistics integrator strategy despite the vastly superior earnings in the ocean business that their rivals continue to capitalize on.”
Industry Perspectives on Ranking Changes
Alan Murphy, CEO of Sea-Intelligence, said: “Maersk very clearly made the conscious choice not to retain the number one spot at any cost, and is now prepared to drop to number three, so they clearly do not believe that the costs of retaining the number two ranking outweigh the benefits.” Peter Sand, head of research at Xeneta, suggested that Maersk’s third-place position could face further pressure as other carriers continue to expand.
For fresh produce exporters and logistics operators, Maersk’s focus on integrated logistics may offer more comprehensive cold chain solutions, while CMA CGM’s vessel capacity expansion could provide more shipping options for refrigerated containers.
In the end, as the industry likely heads into a cyclical downturn with abundant capacity, focusing on profitable markets and service quality may prove more valuable than maintaining rankings.
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