Container Liner Rankings Shake Up as Italy and UK Climb in 2025

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The latest mid-2025 update to the global rankings of container liner carriers by country shows some notable changes, reflecting shifts in fleet strategies and market developments over the past six months, Container News.

Global rankings of container liner carriers

Italy has climbed two spots to 16th place, largely driven by Messina Line’s move from a container-Ro/Ro hybrid operator to a full container shipping line. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has improved its position by one rank, now sitting at 18th.

On the other hand, Thailand and Russia have both slipped in the rankings, falling to 17th and 19th respectively. These declines nearly erase earlier gains recorded by both countries earlier this year, highlighting the volatility in mid-tier liner growth and ongoing fleet consolidation.

Brazil has maintained its position at 21st, with a total capacity of 26,800 TEU. However, it remains behind 20th-ranked Hong Kong, which has strengthened its ranking thanks to the addition of a new carrier, Kawa Shipping.

These changes indicate subtle but significant shifts in the container liner industry, as both emerging and established players continue to adjust their strategies in response to fleet realignments and service network expansions.

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Source: Container News