Shipping lines
Container shipping lines
The global carriers, regional lines and feeder operators that move Vietnam’s containers, grouped by East–West alliance as of 2025–2026.
Alliances on East–West trades
Alliance structures were reshaped in February 2025. Membership covers East–West trades only; carriers also cooperate through vessel-sharing agreements on other routes.
Gemini Cooperation
Operational cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd on East–West trades since February 2025, built around a hub-and-spoke network with a high schedule-reliability target.
Members
Premier Alliance
Successor of THE Alliance from February 2025, formed by ONE, HMM and Yang Ming after Hapag-Lloyd left to join Gemini.
Members
Ocean Alliance
CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping (with OOCL) and Evergreen; the members have announced an extension of the cooperation into the 2030s.
Members
Independent
Carriers operating outside the three East–West alliances, including MSC (on its own network since the 2M alliance with Maersk ended in January 2025), ZIM and most regional and feeder lines, often with vessel-sharing agreements on specific trades.
Members
All shipping lines
Global carriers 11
| Shipping line | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| MSC | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Maersk | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| CMA CGM | Marseille, France |
| COSCO Shipping Lines | Shanghai, China |
| OOCL | Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR China |
| Hapag-Lloyd | Hamburg, Germany |
| ONE | Singapore, Singapore |
| Evergreen | Taipei, Taiwan |
| HMM | Seoul, South Korea |
| ZIM | Haifa, Israel |
| Yang Ming | Keelung, Taiwan |
Major carriers 4
| Shipping line | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Wan Hai Lines | Taipei, Taiwan |
| PIL | Singapore, Singapore |
| SITC | Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR China |
| KMTC | Seoul, South Korea |
Regional & intra-Asia lines 9
| Shipping line | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| RCL | Bangkok, Thailand |
| TS Lines | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Sinokor | Seoul, South Korea |
| Interasia Lines | Taipei, Taiwan |
| Matson | Honolulu, United States |
| Sealead | Singapore, Singapore |
| Gold Star Line | Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR China |
| Emirates Shipping Line | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Samudera | Jakarta, Indonesia |
Feeder operators 2
| Shipping line | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| X-Press Feeders | Singapore, Singapore |
| Unifeeder | Aarhus, Denmark |
Vietnamese carriers 3
| Shipping line | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| VIMC Lines | Hanoi, Vietnam |
| VOSCO | Hai Phong, Vietnam |
| Hai An | Hai Phong, Vietnam |
Categories are based on approximate fleet capacity rankings (Alphaliner, 2025–2026) and are indicative only. Data as of October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which shipping lines have direct services from Vietnam to the US and Europe?
Most global carriers — including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, COSCO/OOCL, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, HMM, ZIM and Yang Ming — have offered direct calls at Cai Mep – Thi Vai on transpacific and some Asia–Europe services, while others connect via hubs. Networks change by season, so we check current options when quoting.
What are shipping alliances?
Alliances are operational agreements in which carriers share vessels and slots on East–West trades to offer wider coverage. Each carrier still sells its own space and issues its own bills of lading.
Should I book directly with a shipping line or through a forwarder?
Shippers can do either. A forwarder such as Global Logistic Group compares several carriers, consolidates LCL cargo, handles documents and customs and manages inland transport, which is often simpler and more cost-effective for small and medium volumes.
Talk to an ocean freight specialist
We compare space, transit and all-in rates across carriers for your lane and take care of documents and customs.