As a continent blessed with extensive coastlines and strategically positioned along major global maritime routes, Africa is a vibrant hub for sea shipping companies. Here, we dive into ten of the most influential maritime shipping firms across different African nations.
Maritime Shipping Explained
Maritime shipping, in simple terms, is like the world’s moving warehouse, but over the sea. It’s all about transporting goods from one place to another using ships to do the heavy lifting.
Normally maritime shipping is an ideal choice when transporting goods in very large quantities The items most transported over maritime shipping include the following:
Petroleum products are one of the most commonly shipped goods by volume. This includes crude oil, refined petroleum, natural gas, and chemical products.
The contents of container ships can vary wildly, but they often carry consumer goods, including electronics, clothing, furniture, and toys.
This refers to goods like coal, grain (such as wheat, corn, and soybeans), iron ore, and other minerals. These are often transported in large, carrier ships.
Perishable food items, like fruits, vegetables, and meats are often transported in refrigerated containers known as “reefers.”
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles are often shipped using specialized roll-on/roll-off ships.
Largest By Maritime Shipping Company’s Vessel Count Worldwide
Lets start by looking at the number of vessels as an indicator of the scale of each maritime shipping company
- APM-Maersk: 740 vessels
- MSC: 721 vessels
- CMA-CGM: 600 vessels
- Hapag-Lloyd: 250 vessels
- Evergreen Line: 211 vessels
- One: 205 vessels
- COSCO – China Ocean Shipping Company: 180 vessels
- Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd: 139 vessels
- Yang Ming Marine Transport: 94 vessels
- Hyundai Merchant Marine: 74 vessels
We will use this list as a base line or starting point, to determine the largest maritime shipping companies which currently operate in different African countries.
To rank as accurately as possible, we will consider the following three factors to determine which maritime shipping company is the largest in each region.
- The total number of maritime vessels owned by the shipping company.
- The total number of countries each operates in.
- Most importantly which maritime shipping company has the most grounded and active presence in each African country.
Largest Maritime Shipping companies in Africa per Country
With 721 vessels to its name, the MSC is Egypt’s largest marine shipping company. The Mediterranean Shipping Company, as it is officially known, was founded in Naples, Italy, in 1970 and is now the world’s second-largest shipping line in terms of container vessel capacity. The company has a significant presence in Egypt, with major operations in the Port of Alexandria, a critical hub for Mediterranean and Middle East shipping.
Local Contact information:
- Address: 55 ش السلطان، حسين، الشلالات, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt.
- Phone: +20 3 4884000
Denmark’s A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S, better known as Maersk, holds the title of the most significant shipping operator in South Africa, with a total of 740 vessels. Established in 1904, Maersk is the world’s largest container shipping company. It is known for its extensive global reach and substantial presence in South Africa, with the Port of Durban serving as one of its critical operational centres.
Local Contact information:
- Address: 52 Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton, 2196
- Phone: 011 277 3700
France’s CMA-CGM, with 600 vessels, is the most prominent player in Morocco’s marine shipping industry. Founded in Marseille in 1978, CMA-CGM operates in more than 160 countries, including Morocco. The company has significant operations in the Port of Casablanca, one of the largest artificial ports in the world, and Morocco’s main port.
Local Contact information:
- Address: C9H5+XPV, Agadir 80000, Morocco
- Phone: +212 5283-89838
CMA CGM Algeria, with its extensive fleet of vessels, is a significant player in the Algerian marine shipping industry. Established in 1970, it maintains global operations and has a substantial presence in Algeria. CMA CGM Algeria utilizes the Port of Algiers, a crucial port that serves as the primary hub for the country’s imports and exports.
Local Contact information:
- Address: CMA CGM, Quartier des Affaires, Tour, Bab Ezzouar, Algeria.
- Phone: +213 23 92 42 67
The Mediterranean Shipping Company, boasting a fleet of 721 ships, is a pivotal actor in Ghana’s maritime sector. The Swiss-based firm maintains a comprehensive global network and holds a considerable presence in Ghana, especially at the Port of Tema, one of the busiest ports in Africa.
Local Contact information:
- Address: Tema, Ghana
- Phone: +213 23 92 42 67
Morgan Cargo Logistics, is a key stakeholder in Kenya’s marine shipping landscape. Established in 1969, Morgan Cargo Logistics is globally acknowledged as a provider of top-tier container transport and logistics services. The company has a significant operational base in the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s largest port.
Local contact information:
- Address: Nairobi, Kenya
- Phone: +254 20 827236
COSCO, with 180 vessels, is the largest marine shipping company in Nigeria. This Chinese state-owned enterprise has a vast network around the world and has considerable operations in Nigeria, particularly in the Port of Lagos, one of Africa’s busiest ports.
Local contact information:
Address: 4 Balogun Bisi Omidiora Road Apapa Lagos Nigeria
Phone: +234 815 979 4404–615/616
MISTRAL SHIPPING TUNISIA, with its significant fleet, plays a crucial role in Tunisia’s shipping industry. MISTRAL’s extensive network reaches numerous countries and is recognized for its substantial operations in the Port of Rades, Tunisia’s main port.
Local Contact information:
- Address: ZONE PORTUAIRE DE, Rades 2040, Tunisia
- Phone: +216 71 448 002
“Maersk Angola, with its fleet of 740 vessels, holds a substantial position in Angola’s maritime industry. This Denmark-based corporation operates in more than 70 nations, and Angola is a key part of its global network. The majority of its operations are carried out from the Port of Luanda, which is Angola’s primary seaport.
Local Contact information:
- Address: 56RQ+9QV, Luanda, Angola
- Phone: +244 222 396 709
With a robust fleet of 721 vessels, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has a significant foothold in Tanzania’s maritime sector. This globally recognised logistics giant runs comprehensive operations in the bustling Port of Dar es Salaam, one of the busiest ports in East Africa.
Local Contact information:
- Address: Uhamiaji Road – Kurasini Dar es Salaam, 63039, Tanzania.
- Phone: +255 22 285 1661
Conclusion
These companies represent the crème de la crème of Africa’s maritime industry, contributing significantly to local employment opportunities and strengthening intercontinental trade ties. Their extensive operations underscore the importance of Africa in the global maritime trade network.
Each of these maritime giants plays a crucial role in the African shipping industry’s growth and development, providing numerous local employment opportunities and facilitating crucial trade relationships. Their global operations further emphasise the pivotal role that Africa plays in the international maritime trade landscape.