PSA International remains the world’s largest global terminal operator, while worldwide container handling capacity is forecast to record the biggest rise this year since the global financial crisis, according to UK consultant Drewry’s latest Global Container Terminal Operators Annual Review and Forecast report.

The top spot in the equity-adjusted rankings has been retained by PSA International, with an equity-adjusted throughput of 67.2m teu, up 7.3%. Chinese giants China Merchants and COSCO make up the other spots on Drewry’s podium.

The terminal operating arms of several of the cash-rich global carriers, such as MSC, CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd, have strengthened their position in the annual Drewry rankings. 

Eleanor Hadland, author of the report and Drewry’s senior analyst for ports and terminals, said: “These operators have really pushed forward with M&A-led expansion strategies, which is often the only means of entry into established port markets.”

Global container handling capacity is projected to rise 4.8% or 64m teu in 2025, which Hadland said will be the largest annual increase in absolute terms since the global financial crisis. 

Drewry said this year’s forecast reflects the buoyant market conditions in the immediate post-pandemic period, which was characterised by widespread port and terminal congestion, triggering a wave of terminal upgrade and expansion projects.