In 2024 the world merchant container ship fleet had a capacity of around ****million metric tons deadweight. As of January 2021, there were ***** container ships in the world's merchant fleet. Container shipping and global trade As global supply networks consolidate, global value chains increase the need for seaborne transportation of goods. Container shipping is the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option to transport goods overseas, despite its considerable environmental footprint. The demand for more seaborne trade calls for larger vessels: the carrying capacity of the global merchant fleet has been increasing steadily during recent decades, reaching nearly * billion deadweight tons in 2020. In that same year, the seaborne trade transport volume was roughly ** billion metric tons, up from * billion metric tons in 2008. Moreover, the global container shipping volume reached some *** million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2021, an increase from *** million TEUs in 2012. Leading firms Container shipping a highly capital-intensive economic sector with high potential returns acquired from expanding global demand for the trade of goods. Container lines are constantly under pressure to offer low rates to their customers and maximize vessels' utilization rates. To overcome these challenges, the market has consolidated around three alliances: 2M, Ocean Alliance, and THE Alliance, which together account for ** percent of the global container market. APM-Maersk, COSCO Shipping, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Hapag-Lloyd are some of the leading container shipping firms globally. Both in terms of the number of ships and TEU capacity, APM-Maersk is the leading container shipping company globally. APM-Maersk's revenue reached almost ** billion U.S. dollars in the fiscal year of 2021.
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CN: Number of Ships in Port : General Cargo Ship: Dongguan data was reported at 4.000 Unit in 17 May 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 1.000 Unit for 15 May 2025. CN: Number of Ships in Port : General Cargo Ship: Dongguan data is updated daily, averaging 2.000 Unit from Jan 2019 (Median) to 17 May 2025, with 2323 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.000 Unit in 24 Feb 2021 and a record low of 0.000 Unit in 13 May 2025. CN: Number of Ships in Port : General Cargo Ship: Dongguan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Elane Inc.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Transportation and Storage Sector – Table CN.TDM: Elane Shipping Statistics: Ship in Port: Dongguan.
In March 2018, DfT proposed changes to the World Fleet release that included fewer tables, combining similar data tables to reduce duplication, and dropping tables with low user views. Following feedback that the proposal did not meet user needs, DfT have not made changes to the existing format of tables.
The Maritime Statistics team are still looking to make improvements to the table structure and in line with the code of practice will consult users before making any changes. DfT welcomes feedback on how these data are used and how to present it by contacting Maritime Statistics.
Gross tonnage on the UK Ship Register was 10 million at end of December 2020, a decrease of 5%, compared to the end of December 2019.
Based on commercial data supplied by IHS Global, at the end of 2020, the UK registered trading fleet:
The ‘UK fleet’ of ships either owned, parent owned or managed in the UK is larger than the UK registered trading fleet, comprising in total 4% of the world trading fleet, by deadweight tonnage.
Maritime and shipping statistics
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Dataset from Singapore Department of Statistics. For more information, visit https://data.gov.sg/datasets/d_6e7db201519a230fed9fcc2e3f6516d8/view
2019 statistics were revised in the 2020 publication, published in July 2021, due to volumes submitted for some ports being incorrectly inputted by the data provider. This affects data for 3 major ports, see notes and definitions for more details.
Explore our http://maps.dft.gov.uk/port-freight-statistics/interactive-dashboard" class="govuk-link">interactive dashboard.
Total tonnage levels for all UK ports decreased 9% in 2020, compared to 2019, to 438.9 million tonnes handled.
For UK major ports in 2020:
Minor revisions were made which are flagged appropriately in the associated tables (revised to correct a minor table error which affected the internal traffic figure for goods lifted only). This publication was postponed but going forward domestic waterborne freight statistics will go back to being published with the annual port freight publication.
Compared to 2019:
Please fill in our https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/maritimestatistics/" class="govuk-link">2-minute user feedback survey, which aims to make maritime statistics better, more informative and more user friendly.
Maritime and shipping statistics
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Maritime statistics enquiries 020 7944 4847
Media enquiries 020 7944 3021
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CN: Number of Ships in Port : (Unregistered) Oil/Gas/Chemical Tanker: Dongguan data was reported at 5.000 Unit in 17 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 7.000 Unit for 15 May 2025. CN: Number of Ships in Port : (Unregistered) Oil/Gas/Chemical Tanker: Dongguan data is updated daily, averaging 11.000 Unit from Jan 2019 (Median) to 17 May 2025, with 2323 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 28.000 Unit in 31 Aug 2019 and a record low of 0.000 Unit in 02 Sep 2023. CN: Number of Ships in Port : (Unregistered) Oil/Gas/Chemical Tanker: Dongguan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Elane Inc.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Transportation and Storage Sector – Table CN.TDM: Elane Shipping Statistics: Ship in Port: Dongguan.
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CN: Average Port Time of Ship: Passenger/Ro-Ro Ship: Dongguan data was reported at 687.190 Hour in 21 Jan 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 663.190 Hour for 20 Jan 2025. CN: Average Port Time of Ship: Passenger/Ro-Ro Ship: Dongguan data is updated daily, averaging 199.180 Hour from Aug 2019 (Median) to 21 Jan 2025, with 141 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 687.190 Hour in 21 Jan 2025 and a record low of 17.270 Hour in 18 Sep 2023. CN: Average Port Time of Ship: Passenger/Ro-Ro Ship: Dongguan data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Elane Inc.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Transportation and Storage Sector – Table CN.TDM: Elane Shipping Statistics: Ship in Port: Dongguan.
Following user feedback, DfT are trialling publishing estimates of cargo group alongside the quarterly port freight statistics, in a proposed third quarterly table PORT0503. This has been published containing current quarter data for the eighth time.
This new data is regarded as Experimental Statistics, awaiting user feedback and further quality assurance to provide timely estimates. You can provide feedback about this change by filling in this https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/user-research-quarterly-cargo-breakdown/" class="govuk-link">form. We continue to welcome any feedback on any aspect of the port freight statistics (see contact details).
total freight tonnage decreased by 2% to 109.5 million tonnes
inward tonnage decreased by 2% to 72.9 million tonnes
outward tonnage decreased by 4% to 36.7 million tonnes
total volume of unitised traffic remained stable at 4.5 million units
inward units increased by 1% to 2.4 million units
outward units decreased by 2% to 2.1 million units
total tonnage increased by 1% to 446.9 million tonnes
total volume of unitised traffic increased by 8% to 20.3 million units
Detailed final annual statistics for 2022 and 2023 will be published in summer 2023 and summer 2024 respectively.
Further information about these statistics is available, including:
background information on quarterly port freight statistics
notes and definitions for all port freight statistics
Maritime and shipping statistics
Email mailto:maritime.stats@dft.gov.uk">maritime.stats@dft.gov.uk
Media enquiries 0300 7777 878
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Graph and download economic data for Cass Freight Index: Shipments (FRGSHPUSM649NCIS) from Jan 1990 to Jul 2025 about shipments, freight, indexes, and USA.
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European Shipping Volume of National Container Transport Performed by All Types of Vessels Share by Country (Thousand Metric Tons), 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!
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European Shipping Volume of Loaded International Container Transport Performed by All Types of Vessels by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!
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Number of Ships in Port : Container Ship: Shanghai data was reported at 19.000 Unit in 17 May 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 17.000 Unit for 15 May 2025. Number of Ships in Port : Container Ship: Shanghai data is updated daily, averaging 18.000 Unit from Jan 2019 (Median) to 17 May 2025, with 2326 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 37.000 Unit in 27 Feb 2019 and a record low of 0.000 Unit in 15 Sep 2022. Number of Ships in Port : Container Ship: Shanghai data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Elane Inc.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Transportation and Storage Sector – Table CN.TDM: Elane Shipping Statistics: Ship in Port: Shanghai.
In 2022, China COSCO Shipping Corp., Ltd. handled about **** billion metric tons of freight, representing a drop of ** million metric tons from the previous year. During the year, COSCO Shipping Group's container traffic amounted to ***** million TEUs.
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The ongoing tariff conflict could lead to a 1% reduction in global container volumes by 2025, affecting shipping rates and industry operations.
In 2021, Sinotrans Limited transported approximately ******* metric tons of air cargo through its air freight forwarding services, an increase of ** percent compared to 2020. This is the largest growth on record during the past decade. It represents the growth in customer demand for air cargo since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020.
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This table contains 4 series, with data for years 1990 - 1999 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years), and is no longer being released. This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (1 item: Canada), Shipping activity (2 items: International seaborne shipping; Coastwise shipping), Cargo tonnage (3 items: Cargo tonnage loaded; Cargo tonnage unloaded; Cargo tonnage handled).
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European Shipping Volume of Container Transport Performed by Self-Propelled Tanker Barges by Country, 2023 Discover more data with ReportLinker!
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CN: 20 Major Ports: Average Port Time of Ship: LNG Carrier data was reported at 137.450 Hour in 17 May 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 128.460 Hour for 16 May 2025. CN: 20 Major Ports: Average Port Time of Ship: LNG Carrier data is updated daily, averaging 41.045 Hour from Jan 2019 (Median) to 17 May 2025, with 2254 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 658.520 Hour in 07 Jul 2024 and a record low of 3.390 Hour in 09 Jul 2022. CN: 20 Major Ports: Average Port Time of Ship: LNG Carrier data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by CEIC Data. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Transportation and Storage Sector – Table CN.TDM: Elane Shipping Statistics: 20 Major Ports: Ship in Port.
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Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Deep Sea Freight Transportation: Deep Sea Freight Transportation Services (PCU4831114831115) from Jun 1988 to Jul 2025 about sea, freight, transportation, services, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.
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The global ocean freight container market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the expansion of global trade, increasing e-commerce activity, and the rising demand for efficient and reliable logistics solutions. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $150 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors, including the continuous increase in global containerized cargo volume, advancements in container technology (such as improved durability and enhanced tracking capabilities), and the ongoing efforts to optimize supply chain efficiency. The segment for containers above 30ft is projected to dominate the market due to its higher carrying capacity, better suited for large-scale shipments of goods. The application segments, namely food transport, consumer goods transport, and industrial product transport, all contribute significantly to market demand, with consumer goods consistently being a major driver. Key players like CIMC, Singamas, and Maersk Container Industry are strategically expanding their production capacity and innovating to meet the growing demands. Geographical distribution reveals a diverse market landscape. Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are expected to lead the market due to their significant manufacturing and exporting activities. North America and Europe also represent substantial markets, driven by robust consumer demand and established import-export operations. However, factors like fluctuating fuel prices, geopolitical uncertainties, and potential port congestion could pose challenges to market growth. Despite these restraints, the long-term outlook remains positive, projecting a substantial expansion of the market by 2033, driven by the continuous expansion of global trade and the ongoing focus on optimizing supply chain efficiency. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global ocean freight container market, valued at approximately $25 billion in 2023. It explores market dynamics, key players, future trends, and regional variations, leveraging data and insights to offer a comprehensive understanding of this crucial component of global trade. High-search-volume keywords such as "shipping container market size," "ocean freight container manufacturers," and "intermodal container trends" are incorporated throughout.
In 2024 the world merchant container ship fleet had a capacity of around ****million metric tons deadweight. As of January 2021, there were ***** container ships in the world's merchant fleet. Container shipping and global trade As global supply networks consolidate, global value chains increase the need for seaborne transportation of goods. Container shipping is the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option to transport goods overseas, despite its considerable environmental footprint. The demand for more seaborne trade calls for larger vessels: the carrying capacity of the global merchant fleet has been increasing steadily during recent decades, reaching nearly * billion deadweight tons in 2020. In that same year, the seaborne trade transport volume was roughly ** billion metric tons, up from * billion metric tons in 2008. Moreover, the global container shipping volume reached some *** million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2021, an increase from *** million TEUs in 2012. Leading firms Container shipping a highly capital-intensive economic sector with high potential returns acquired from expanding global demand for the trade of goods. Container lines are constantly under pressure to offer low rates to their customers and maximize vessels' utilization rates. To overcome these challenges, the market has consolidated around three alliances: 2M, Ocean Alliance, and THE Alliance, which together account for ** percent of the global container market. APM-Maersk, COSCO Shipping, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Hapag-Lloyd are some of the leading container shipping firms globally. Both in terms of the number of ships and TEU capacity, APM-Maersk is the leading container shipping company globally. APM-Maersk's revenue reached almost ** billion U.S. dollars in the fiscal year of 2021.