Top 5 shipping lines steering global sea trade in 2025

By Admin

30 Jun, 2025

India, the world's largest producer and exporter of turmeric, has announced an ambitious target to boost its turmeric exports to $1 billion by 2030. Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared this vision, highlighting the government's commitment to doubling farmers' income while placing Indian spices on the global culinary map. With turmeric’s increasing demand in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics, the goal is bold but achievable with the right logistics support.

Why Maritime Shipping Matters for India's Turmeric Ambitions

Maritime shipping companies form the backbone of international commerce. They ensure timely and cost-efficient delivery of commodities like turmeric from India’s ports to markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. These global carriers enable seamless connections across continents, crucial for achieving India’s $1 billion turmeric export goal.

In 2025 alone, container shipping companies reported a staggering $26.8 billion in net profits during Q3 a 164% surge from the previous quarter. This surge reflects the vital role these carriers play in sustaining and expanding global trade.

Top 5 Shipping Giants Driving Global Trade

To understand the shipping infrastructure that will support India’s turmeric exports, we spotlight five maritime powerhouses that dominate international logistics:

1. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)
Headquartered in Geneva, MSC is the largest container shipping company globally. With nearly 900 vessels and a TEU capacity exceeding 5.5 million, MSC’s robust fleet ensures high-volume, long-haul shipments with remarkable efficiency. Flagships like MSC Tessa and MSC Irina two of the world’s largest ships are a testament to MSC’s unmatched cargo-handling capabilities.

Its strong presence across India’s major ports, including Mundra and Nhava Sheva, makes MSC an indispensable partner in transporting Indian turmeric to international shelves.

2. Maersk Line

Denmark-based Maersk operates over 700 vessels serving 374 ports across 116 countries. Its integrated logistics, vast fleet, and sustainability goals make it an ideal logistics partner for agricultural exports. Maersk’s net-zero commitment by 2040 adds a green edge to India's turmeric supply chain, aligning with the global shift toward sustainable commerce.

3. CMA CGM Group
This French shipping giant supports trade in more than 160 countries, with services to 420 ports and 1,000 warehouses. CMA CGM’s 650-vessel fleet and vast inland logistics network provide reliability and speed. For turmeric exporters in India, this means consistent scheduling and wide market reach from Europe to North America and beyond.

4. COSCO Shipping Lines
China-based COSCO is a heavyweight in shipping with a fleet covering everything from container ships to oil tankers. Its presence on key trade corridors and extensive port coverage make COSCO a valuable player in transporting turmeric and other spices efficiently and economically to Asian and global markets.

5. Hapag-Lloyd
German carrier Hapag-Lloyd runs 299 vessels with a focus on operational agility. Known for reliability and strong trade ties between Europe and Asia, it is well-positioned to support India’s spice exports to Western markets. Its scalable fleet and strong India-Europe corridor routes make it an essential part of India’s export machinery.

Conclusion: Collaboration Between Exporters and Carriers is Key

As India aims to reach its $1 billion turmeric export target by 2030, the role of reliable maritime carriers cannot be overstated. These shipping giants not only connect Indian produce to global markets they also empower exporters with scalability, compliance, and sustainable transport solutions.

With the synergy between India's growing agricultural output and the muscle of global shipping leaders, the world is poised to see more of India’s golden spice on store shelves delivered fresh, fast, and efficiently across oceans.