WANA (Dec 28) – While the world’s container shipping capacity crossed the 33 million TEU threshold in November 2025, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has maintained its 17th place in the global rankings despite the pressure of sanctions.

 

A Record-Breaking Month for Global Maritime Trade

The global maritime transport market witnessed a new record in November 2025, signaling the continued growth of container trade and increased fleet capacity among major international operators.

 

According to published statistics, global container capacity has surpassed 33 million TEU, a result of new ship deliveries and fleet expansions by major shipping firms.

 

Currently, the total number of active container ships worldwide has reached 6,642 vessels. The bulk of this capacity is held by a limited number of major operators; the top 10 shipping companies manage over 28.1 million TEU of capacity and approximately 4,040 vessels.

 

These figures indicate that nearly 85% of global container trade capacity is controlled by these 10 companies, highlighting high market concentration and the decisive power of major players.

 

At the top of the list, MSC has solidified its position as the world’s largest container operator by surpassing 7 million TEU in capacity. The simultaneous delivery of two 16,000 TEU Neo-Panamax vessels, named MSC Salerno and MSC Grace, played a key role in this jump.

 

Alongside MSC, companies such as South Korea’s HMM have also increased their market share by exceeding a capacity of one million TEU.

 

The Standing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL)

Meanwhile, the IRISL Group continues to be among the prominent players in world maritime transport despite limitations caused by sanctions. The group covers a capacity equivalent to 5 million DWT with 144 active vessels, a portion of which is dedicated to container transport.

 

According to statistics, the container carrying capacity of IRISL is estimated at approximately 160,000 TEU. Furthermore, the group’s container fleet includes 324,000 TEU of owned containers used in the country’s export and import services.

 

Additionally, about 1,600 freight wagons affiliated with this group operate within the rail transport network, playing a complementary role to maritime transport.

 

IRISL currently holds the 17th global rank and is recognized as one of the top 30 shipping companies in the world. From the perspective of experts, this position is considered remarkable given the sanction conditions and restricted access to global financial and shipbuilding markets.

 

Future Outlook

Analysts believe that by adding new ships and containers to the fleet, modernizing vessels, and expanding cooperation with major international shipping lines, Iran can secure a larger share of the global container transport market.

 

As global maritime trade continues to break records, maintaining and strengthening Iran’s position in this market will play a strategic role in supporting foreign trade and the national economy.

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