Based on the DynaLiners Millionaires report with 2024 estimates from Drewry, the top terminal operators managed a combined 380.54 million TEUs, representing 43% of the 876 million TEU global total. The data reveals a mix of consistent growth, slight declines, and significant surges among the industry’s leaders, with Asian companies dominating the top ranks.
Operator Performance and Ranking
- PSA: Retaining the top spot, PSA handled 63.44 million TEUs in 2024, a 4% increase from the previous year. The company’s resilience is driven by its Singapore hub’s strong performance, supported by automation and ongoing expansions.
- CoscoSP: Ranking second, CoscoSP reached 54 million TEUs, showing a steady 2% growth. The company’s strong ties to China’s major trade routes and strategic equity stakes in various ports have fueled its consistent expansion.
- China Merchants: With a throughput of 51 million TEUs, China Merchants holds the third position. Its growth was a modest 1%, with a focus on consolidation and strategic partnerships to maintain its global trade influence.
- APM Terminals: APM Terminals experienced a 2% decline, handling 48 million TEUs, which is attributed to market disruptions. The company is now focusing on sustainable investments to spur a future recovery.
- DP World: DP World, ranked fifth, grew by 2% to 47.4 million TEUs. The operator’s strategy of expanding into emerging markets and thriving in transshipment hubs has been the primary driver of its growth.
- Hutchison: Hutchison’s throughput dropped by 3% to 43.7 million TEUs, with economic challenges cited as the main reason for the decline. The company is now investing in technology in hopes of reversing this trend.
- MSC/TIL: This operator saw the most significant growth among the top 10, surging by 17% to 42 million TEUs. This rapid expansion is a result of a push for vertical integration and strategic investments in new terminals, particularly in Europe and Africa.
- ICTSI: Ranked eighth, ICTSI handled 12.2 million TEUs, a 4% increase. Its success is anchored in emerging markets and its ability to excel in managing niche ports.
- CMA CGM: The company showed strong growth of 7%, reaching 10.1 million TEUs. CMA CGM’s expansion of its terminal operations is part of a broader strategy to integrate its shipping and logistics services, giving it greater control over the supply chain.
- SSA Marine: SSA Marine’s throughput remained flat at 8.7 million TEUs. The company’s stability is primarily due to its anchor in North American ports, with future growth expected from infrastructure upgrades.
The 2024 data highlights a consolidated sector where the top 10 operators continue to wield significant influence, controlling 43% of the world’s equity-adjusted throughput. While established Asian leaders like PSA, CoscoSP, and China Merchants provide market stability, the aggressive growth of shipping lines-turned-terminal operators like MSC/TIL and CMA CGM is introducing a new dynamic of competition and vertical integration into the industry.
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Source: Container News
