Which Countries Control The Global Shipping Industry?

Over 90% of world trade moves by sea, yet only a handful of countries dominate the trillion-dollar shipping industry. While fleet size is a key factor, real control comes from a combination of:

• Fleet Ownership: Who owns the most commercial vessels?
• Port Infrastructure: Which nations operate the busiest and most strategic ports?
• Shipbuilding Capacity: Who manufactures the majority of the world’s cargo ships?
• Trade Route Influence: Who dictates global shipping policies and regulations?

China, Greece, the United States, the UAE, and Denmark are among the most influential maritime powers. Their dominance is shaped by state-backed investments, private shipping giants, and control over critical logistics hubs.

This article explores how these countries shape global shipping and how trade wars, tariffs, and geopolitical shifts are reshaping the industry.

 

Top Countries Controlling Global Shipping

Maritime power is concentrated in a few nations that dominate fleet ownership, port operations, and shipbuilding. These countries control major trade routes and logistics hubs, shaping global commerce.

China

• Fleet Ownership: China owns 12.2% of the world’s shipping tonnage. It also operates 6 of the 10 busiest container ports, including Shanghai, which handled 47 million TEU in 2023.
• Shipbuilding Power: China produces 47.6% of global commercial vessels, making it the largest shipbuilder. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has also invested in over 90 ports worldwide, increasing its geopolitical influence.

Greece

• Fleet Ownership: Greece controls 17.6% of global merchant fleet tonnage, the highest of any nation. Greek companies specialize in bulk carriers and oil tankers, crucial for transporting raw materials.
• Regulatory Strategy: Many Greek-owned vessels operate under “flags of convenience”, registering in countries like Liberia and Panama for tax and regulatory advantages.

United States

• Fleet Ownership: The U.S. controls only 0.2% of the world’s commercial fleet. However, its ports remain critical, with Los Angeles and New York ranking among the busiest cargo hubs.
• Regulatory Impact: The Jones Act restricts domestic shipping to U.S.-built, owned, and operated vessels, limiting foreign competition but raising costs.

UAE

• Port Dominance: Dubai-based DP World operates over 80 ports worldwide, making the UAE a major logistics hub. Jebel Ali is the largest transshipment port in the Middle East, connecting trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Denmark

• Global Shipping Influence: Denmark has a small national fleet but wields significant power through A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world’s second-largest container shipping company.
• Industry Leadership: Maersk is at the forefront of decarbonization, investing in green fuel technologies for sustainable shipping.