Shipping Agency Services Market Insights, Forecast and Competitive Strategies

Shipping Agency Services Market Share, Trends and Future Size

The shipping agency services market is anticipated to grow from USD 358.31 billion in 2025 to USD 794.41 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.25% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

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Introduction

Shipping agency services play a pivotal role in the smooth operation of maritime logistics and trade. Acting as intermediaries between shipowners, charterers, ports, and other stakeholders, shipping agents oversee a range of tasks essential for vessel operations, port calls, and cargo handling. From vessel clearance and documentation to crew services and cargo operations, shipping agency services ensure seamless coordination and compliance with regulatory requirements throughout the shipping process.

Highlights of the Shipping Agency Services Market

• North America generated highest revenue of the shipping agency services market.
• Asia Pacific is expected to rise with a significant CAGR during the forecast period.
• By service type, the container services segment dominated this industry.
• By service type, the cargo handling segment is expected to rise with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• By agency type, the cargo agency segment held the largest share of the market.
• By agency type, the port agency segment is expected to grow with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period.

Key Metrics and Overview

What are the Trends of Shipping Agency Services Market in 2025?

The major trends in this market consists of trade liberalization and globalization, environmental sustainability along with government investment.

Trade Liberalization and Globalization:

Trade liberalization and globalization are driving demand for shipping agency services, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies. As international trade volumes continue to grow, shipping agents play a crucial role in facilitating trade flows, optimizing logistics chains, and ensuring the efficient movement of goods and commodities across borders.

Environmental Sustainability:

Increasing awareness of environmental sustainability and climate change is shaping regulatory and industry initiatives in the shipping sector. Shipping agents are adopting green practices, eco-friendly technologies, and sustainable shipping solutions to reduce carbon emissions, minimize environmental impact, and comply with international regulations such as IMO's MARPOL Convention and EEDI requirements.

Government Investment:

The government of several countries are investing heavily for developing the port infrastructure. For instance, in November 2024, the government of India announced to invest around US$ 82 billion. This investment is done for developing the port infrastructure in India. (Source: Press Information Bureau)

What are the Driving Factors of Shipping Agency Services Market in 2025?

The drivers of this industry consist of digitalization and automation, data analytics and predictive insights as well as e-commerce and supply chain integration.

Digitalization and Automation

The digitalization of shipping agency services is driving efficiency and transparency in maritime operations. Digital platforms and automation tools streamline workflows, enhance communication, and enable real-time tracking and monitoring of vessel movements, cargo operations, and documentation processes.

Data Analytics and Predictive Insights

Advanced analytics and predictive modeling provide shipping agents with valuable insights into market trends, vessel performance, and operational efficiencies. By analyzing historical data and market trends, shipping agents can optimize route planning, vessel scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize profitability and minimize risks.

E-commerce and Supply Chain Integration

The integration of e-commerce platforms and supply chain management systems is transforming shipping agency services by enabling seamless collaboration and data exchange among stakeholders. E-commerce platforms facilitate online booking, documentation, and payment processing, streamlining the shipping process and enhancing customer experience.

Which challenges are faced by the shipping agency services market in 2025?

The main challenges include port congestion and infrastructure constraints along with regulatory compliance and documentation. 

Port Congestion and Infrastructure Constraints

Port congestion and infrastructure limitations pose challenges for shipping agency services, particularly in major trade hubs and congested waterways. Shipping agents must navigate port restrictions, berth availability, and operational constraints to minimize delays and optimize vessel turnaround times.

Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

Regulatory compliance and documentation requirements are complex and vary across jurisdictions, posing challenges for shipping agents. Compliance with customs regulations, port protocols, and international conventions requires meticulous planning, coordination, and documentation to ensure smooth port calls and cargo operations.

Service Type Insights

Why container services segment held the largest share of the shipping agency services market in 2025?

The container services segment dominated this industry. The ongoing trend of containers as a service (CaaS) for enhancing scalability and managing containerized workloads has boosted the growth of the shipping agency services market. Some major container services provider includes Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Microsoft Azure.

The cargo handling segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growing emphasis on transporting goods from one nation to another has increased the demand for cargo handling services, thereby driving the growth of the shipping agency services market. Some prominent cargo handling companies include APT Logistics, Seal Freight and Ocean Sky Logistics.

Agency Type Insights

How did the cargo agency segment led the shipping agency services market in 2025?

The cargo agency segment dominated the market. The deployment of advanced shipping solution by cargo agencies to enhance the movement of goods has boosted the market growth. Additionally, rapid adoption of cargo insurance services by these agencies to enhance security is expected to drive the growth of the shipping agency services market.

The port agency segment is expected to rise with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The growing demand for efficient logistics operations in modern ports has driven the market expansion. Also, rapid investment by port agencies for deploying cloud-based cargo handling solutions to enhance supply chain management is expected to drive the growth of the shipping agency services market.

Geographical Insights

Why North America dominated the shipping agency services market in 2025?

North America dominated the shipping agency services market. This growth is driven by several factors, including the region's robust economy, rising consumer demand for imported goods, and the increasing prevalence of e-commerce. As a result, there is a rising demand for professional services that streamline the transportation of goods between ports and across borders.

Moreover, North America's strategic positioning of border crossing points and modern ports contributes to its economic prosperity, making it a crucial hub in the global supply chain. This advantageous location facilitates efficient trade routes and fosters economic growth by facilitating the movement of goods and services. Furthermore, the presence of various market players such as Flexport, ILG Logistics, Beacon52 and some others is expected to drive the growth of the shipping agency services market in this region.

• According to the Census. Gov, the U.S. retail e-commerce sales was around US$ 275.8 billion during the 1st quarter of 2025. (Source: Census)

Asia Pacific is expected to grow with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The rapid development in the maritime transportation sector coupled with rising export activities from several countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea and some others has driven the market expansion. Additionally, numerous government initiatives aimed at developing the port infrastructure along with rise in number of container leasing companies is crucial for the industrial expansion. Moreover, the presence of several market players such as Sinotrans, NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) Line, Asian Global Shipping Agencies Pvt Ltd and some others is expected to propel the growth of the shipping agency services market.

• According to the PIB, the Indian export was valued at US$ 35.6 billion in March 2025. (Source: PIB)

Industry Leader Announcement

• In February 2025, Giuseppe Prudente, the Chief Logistics Officer of MSC and President of MEDLOG at made an announcement stating that,” This exciting launch highlights MSC’s unique ability to combine forward-thinking digital solutions with personalized customer care. iReefer is designed with customers in mind: we fully understand their need to closely monitor and control cargo, to facilitate planning and ensure products are delivered in pristine condition. It builds on the already high levels of care we apply to reefer cargo and takes this support to the next level.”

Competitive Landscape

The shipping agency services market is a highly fragmented industry with the presence of numerous dominating players. Some of the prominent companies in this industry consists of Cargotec, CEVA Logistics, CMA CGM Group, Hutchison Ports, Kuehne + Nagel, PSA International, DHL Global Forwarding, DP World, and some others. These companies are constantly engaged in developing solutions for enhancing cargo operations and adopting numerous strategies such as joint ventures, acquisitions, partnerships, launches, collaborations, business expansions and some others to maintain their dominance in this industry.

• In May 2024, CMA CGM launched the North Red Sea Express. The North Red Sea Express is a shipping service designed for connecting Saudi Arabia with other parts of the world. (Source: Logistics-Manager)

• According to the annual report of DP World, the revenue of the company in 2023 was US$ 18250 million that increased to US$ 20023 million in 2024. (Source: DP World)

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a MoU with Rhenus Logistics. This MoU is signed for launching a barge cargo service in India. (Source: Construction World)
• In February 2025, CMA CGM launched BIGEX 3 and BIGEX 4. BIGEX 3 and BIGEX 4 are new cargo handling services designed to enhance connectivity between India and Middle East. (Source: WorldCargoNews.com)
• In January 2025, Verisk launched CargoNet RouteScore API. CargoNet RouteScore API is an insurance policy designed to provide additional protection arising out of cargo thefts.(Source: GlobeNewswire)

Shipping Agency Services Market Segments

By Service Type

• Cargo Handling
• Custom Clearance
• Container Services
• Cargo Insurance
• Others

By Agency Type

• Port Agency
• Cargo Agency
• Charter Agency
• Others

By Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Middle East and Africa