Ports

Container Giants Cut Charter Reliance as Fleet Ownership Surges

The world's largest container carriers have reduced their dependence on chartered vessels since the pandemic-era shipping boom. Most top 10 lines have cut chartered capacity exposure significantly.

Alphaliner analysis shows chartered tonnage now comprises 18%-50% of major carriers' fleets, down from the typical 40%-70% range a decade ago. Among the top five operators, chartered capacity represents just 30%-40% of deployed capacity.

HMM achieved the steepest reduction, cutting chartered fleet share from 56% in 2016 to below 20% today through acquisition of 59 newbuildings following government support post-Hanjin collapse.

CMA CGM reduced chartered capacity from 67% in 2016 to 34%, investing heavily in owned tonnage through 160 second-hand containership purchases and 100 newbuilding deliveries. MSC similarly decreased its chartered share from 61% to 36% since 2016.