A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S is a global integrated logistics company and the world’s largest container shipping line by capacity and fleet. With operations across more than 130 countries and a workforce of over 100,000 employees, Maersk is a cornerstone of global trade, offering end-to-end supply chain services, from ocean and air freight to inland logistics and digital platforms. The company’s Hong Kong office serves as a strategic hub for its operations in Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Company Background
Founded in 1904 in Svendborg, Denmark, A.P. Moller – Maersk has evolved from a regional shipping company into a global logistics leader. Its transformation into an end-to-end logistics integrator began in earnest in the mid-2010s, with major divestments from energy and offshore sectors to focus entirely on transport and supply chain management.
The Hong Kong branch plays a critical role in the company’s operations in Asia, offering ocean freight, warehousing, customs brokerage, and value-added services for both B2B and B2C customers in a high-demand logistics region.
Core Business
Maersk’s business in Hong Kong and globally encompasses:
- Container Shipping: Core ocean freight operations covering over 700 vessels and 343 ports worldwide.
- Inland Transportation: Trucking and rail services integrated with port calls.
- Warehousing & Distribution: Fulfillment centers, bonded warehouses, and storage facilities.
- Customs & Compliance: Clearance, trade consulting, and tariff management.
- Air Freight: Maersk Air Cargo service for time-sensitive logistics.
- Digital Supply Chain Platforms: TradeLens (blockchain-based shipping platform), Maersk Flow, and Twill.
The company is pursuing a strategy of logistics integration to offer seamless door-to-door supply chain services.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Scale & Network: Largest container shipping company globally with ~17% market share in 2024.
- Logistics Integrator Model: Combines ocean, inland, and warehousing services under one platform.
- Digital Innovation: Proprietary platforms for visibility, shipment tracking, and digital documentation.
- Decarbonization Leadership: Committed to net-zero operations by 2040, with first methanol-powered vessels deployed in 2023.
- Strong Brand Equity: Over 120 years of trusted shipping heritage.
Financial and Operational Insights
Maersk’s financial strength underpins its dominance in the global logistics industry:
- FY 2023 Revenue: USD 51.1 billion
- FY 2023 EBITDA: USD 9.6 billion
- Global Fleet: 700+ container vessels, 4.1 million TEU capacity
- Warehouse Space: Over 8 million sq. meters globally
- Air Cargo: Maersk Air Cargo operates out of Billund (HQ), China, and the U.S.
Hong Kong operations serve as a distribution and consolidation node for intra-Asia and trans-Pacific trade routes, especially for fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, and manufacturing inputs.
Target Market
Maersk Hong Kong serves a wide range of industry verticals:
- Retail and Fashion
- Electronics and Semiconductors
- Automotive Components
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
- E-commerce Fulfillment
- Industrial Manufacturing
Clients range from global multinationals to SMEs engaged in regional and international trade.
Capabilities
- Ocean Freight Booking and Management
- Multi-modal Inland Transport Solutions
- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Air Freight for Critical Shipments
- Customs Brokerage and Trade Compliance
- Cold Chain and Temperature-Sensitive Logistics
- Last-Mile Delivery and E-commerce Logistics
- Real-Time Visibility and Predictive Analytics Platforms
Maersk integrates these capabilities under a unified digital platform to streamline operations for shippers.
Certifications and Compliance
Maersk operates under a robust framework of global standards:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems
- AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) in multiple regions
- Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
- IATA Accredited (for air cargo)
- IMO Compliance – Including sulfur cap regulations and carbon intensity reduction
Sustainability and compliance are embedded into all facets of Maersk’s logistics services.
Customer Testimonials
“Maersk’s integrated service offering allowed us to reduce lead times by 30% and streamline our cross-border logistics from China to Europe.”
— Supply Chain Director, Global Electronics Manufacturer
“The visibility tools provided by Maersk Flow have revolutionized how we track and plan shipments. Their team in Hong Kong is responsive and reliable.”
— Logistics Manager, Apparel Retailer, Asia-Pacific
Major Achievements
- Launched Asia’s first methanol-powered feeder ship from South China in 2023.
- Named Best Shipping Line – Asia-Europe Trade Lane at the Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards.
- Deployed TradeLens blockchain platform across Hong Kong terminals for enhanced shipment visibility.
- Achieved carbon-neutral container shipping pilot for select Hong Kong–Europe lanes in 2024.
- Integrated Hong Kong logistics hubs into Maersk’s global cold chain network for pharmaceuticals and perishables.
With unmatched scale, a commitment to innovation, and industry-leading decarbonization goals, A.P. Moller – Maersk continues to redefine global logistics and shipping solutions for a new era of supply chain agility and sustainability.
