- The U.S. ranks fourth globally in fleet value, with assets totaling USD 116.5 billion.
- Cruise ships are the most valuable segment, accounting for over half of the U.S. fleet’s worth.
- Despite softening freight markets, U.S. shipping assets remain strong amid high demand and limited supply.
According to a detailed fleet valuation report by Veson Nautical, the United States ranks fourth globally with a total fleet value of USD 116.5 billion. China retains the top spot with a fleet valued at USD 271 billion, followed by Japan (USD 230 billion) and Greece (USD 183 billion).
Cruise Sector Leads U.S. Fleet Value
The cruise sector is the strongest asset class within the U.S. fleet, valued at USD 60.1 billion, and represents the second-largest fleet by volume with 203 vessels. Major U.S.-based cruise operators like Carnival and Royal Caribbean anchor this dominance. The cruise industry’s asset value has risen notably in 2025, especially for older vessels, due to surging post-pandemic demand and a limited supply of secondhand tonnage.
Offshore and MODU Sectors Also Prominent
- The Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) sector ranks second in fleet value at USD 12.4 billion, and leads by volume, accounting for approximately 35.5% of the U.S. fleet.
- The Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) segment ranks third with 90 vessels worth USD 11.6 billion.
Tankers and Containers Round Out the Top Five
- Tankers are valued at USD 8.9 billion across 229 vessels, making it the third-largest by count. Notable additions include six Chinese-built VLCCs purchased by International Seaways.
- Containers take fifth place at USD 5.4 billion, with 109 vessels. Strong year-on-year value growth has been observed—such as 63.24% gains for 15-year-old Sub-Panamax vessels amid Red Sea and Hormuz disruptions.
Asset Values Stay Resilient Despite Global Headwinds
Veson notes that shipping asset prices remain above long-term medians across sectors, especially in the:
- PSV sector (5YO vessels are 163% above 10-year median)
- AHTS sector (155% above median)
- Container sector (110% above median for 5YO vessels)
This resilience is attributed to shipyard capacity constraints, strong demand for modern secondhand tonnage, and extended voyage times due to global trade disruptions. Buyers are showing increased interest in eco-efficient vessels, given regulatory uncertainties and high costs of newbuilds.
Despite freight market softening, the U.S. fleet stands out for its diverse composition and strong asset valuations, particularly in the cruise and offshore sectors. With continued geopolitical instability and tight supply, the U.S. is well-positioned to maintain its competitive edge in global maritime markets.
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Source: safety4sea
