Intra-Europe shipping capacity has shifted significantly over the past year, with Maersk recording the strongest growth among carriers, according to industry analysts Alphaliner.
Maersk has achieved by far the highest growth in capacity and market share of the carriers in the intra-European service segment over the past twelve months.
Overall, intra-European service capacity grew by a modest 1.9% or 20,000 teu compared to February 2025, as carriers deployed larger ships (1,789 teu vs 1,732 teu) but maintained a relatively stable number of vessels (677 vs 686). Alphaliner has calculated the market share of each carrier offering regular intra-Europe container services compared to a year ago.
Maersk again claimed the third spot among the largest mainline operators (MLOs) in Europe. The Danish line increased its capacity share to 12.1% (146,500 teu), up from 8.5% (101,500 teu) a year ago.
With 49 container ships deployed, Maersk is operating 12 ships more than last year, while the carrier has simultaneously increased its average ship size from 2,742 teu to 2,989 teu. The carrier’s extra 45,000 teu capacity mainly originates from the ‘hub and spoke’ concept that Maersk implemented last year with ‘Gemini’ partner Hapag-Lloyd.
MSC still holds the top spot by deployed intra-Europe capacity. The Geneva-based carrier improved its market share from 28.8% a year ago to 30.6% today and added nine new services, including a Baltic – North Europe – Iberia – Morocco service with 6 x 2,550 – 3,000 teu ships, and an Italy-South Turkey shuttle with four 2,200 – 2,800 teu units.
Akkon Lines made the biggest jump in the league of Europe’s largest operators. The Turkish carrier climbed three positions and now claims the tenth spot. The Istanbul-based line has added 29% or 3,600 teu of extra capacity (15,800 teu vs 12,200 teu) as it launched a new North Europe – Med loop and a new intra-West Med shuttle.
Hapag-Lloyd and Arkas Line (including its feedering arm EMES) have both reduced their capacity by 18,000 teu and as a result have lost significant market share.
Source: Alphaliner
