"So far, CMA CGM has been the most active ship acquirer, setting a record. According to the latest data from Alphaliner, the Marseille-based CMA CGM, with its large number of orders, has surpassed Maersk to rise to second place in the global liner transportation ranking.

CMA CGM's fleet capacity, including ordered vessels, has reached 5.42 million standard containers, about 140,000 TEU more than Maersk. However, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) still leads by far, with a fleet capacity of 8.47 million standard containers, exceeding the combined fleet capacities of CMA CGM and Maersk.

In addition to being the largest buyer of second-hand container ships in the first few months of 2025, CMA CGM has also been actively ordering new ships. This week, CMA CGM chose to order 12 LNG dual-fuel 18,000 TEU container ships at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, marking its second order of large container ships this year. Previously, the company had signed a $2.6 billion contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries to order an additional 12 18,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel new ships.

CMA CGM's history dates back to 1978 when Jacques Saadé founded CMA as an operator in the Mediterranean region. In 1996, Saadé merged CMA with CGM, creating the 12th largest liner company in the world at the time. He then acquired many well-known shipping brands, including Australian National Line (ANL), American President Lines (APL), and Cheng Lie Navigation. After Saadé's death, his son Rodolphe took over the company and made several acquisitions in the logistics sector while purchasing vessels.

Zhongjin believes that other changes in the rankings by Alphaliner are also worth noting. Evergreen Line has just surpassed Ocean Network Express (ONE) to move up to sixth place, including ordered vessels, while Wan Hai Lines has entered the top ten, replacing Yang Ming Marine Transport."