Currently, the world's top five consolidated container fleets are worth US$33.4bn, accounting for 33% of the entire container fleet, showed VesselsValue data.

The top five fleets are respectively the Moller Maersk AS/Hamburg Süd, China COSCO Holdings Co, CMA CGM/ APL, Hapag-Lloyd/ UASC/ CSAV, MOL/ NYK Line/ K Line. Last week, Danish shipping giant Maersk confirmed it will purchase German container shipping line Hamburg Süd.

The acquisition is subject to final agreement and regulatory approvals. It is expected to complement Maersk's current business as Hamburg Süd holds a strong position in north-south trades.