North America Container Transshipment Market Size - By Size, By End Use, By Port, By Container, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

North America Container Transshipment Market Size

The North America container transshipment market size was valued at USD 2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% between 2024 and 2032. The increasing investment in port modernization and expansion is providing significant market opportunities for container transshipment. Governments and private stakeholders are upgrading port infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels and reduce congestion. This includes expanding capacity, integrating advanced tracking technologies, and automating container handling processes.
 

These improvements enhance operational efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and position North American ports as key transshipment hubs for global trade routes. This modernization supports long-term growth in container volumes, particularly with increasing trade activities across the Pacific and Atlantic. In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a USD 450 million investment through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
 

This funding is aimed at modernizing the nation’s coastal and inland waterway ports, enhancing supply chain efficiency and economic security for the future. The PIDP funds are expected to reduce shipping times and costs for carriers, ultimately leading to lower prices for American consumers. This initiative represents a significant step toward strengthening the nation’s infrastructure for generations to come.
 

North America's strategic location between major global trade routes, particularly those connecting Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, significantly drives the container transshipment market. The region's proximity to key international markets enables ports to function as major transshipment hubs, facilitating efficient container handling and redistribution across multiple continents. This advantage helps reduce shipping costs and transit times for global carriers. The Panama Canal expansion further enhances North America's attractiveness as a transshipment point for East-West and North-South trade, reinforcing its role in global maritime logistics.
 

North America Container Transshipment Market Trends

Automation in port operations is gaining momentum in North America's container transshipment industry. Ports are adopting automated systems for container handling, vessel docking, and cargo inspection to enhance efficiency and reduce human error. Autonomous cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and AI-powered logistics platforms are becoming integral to port modernization strategies. This trend aims to improve port throughput, lower operational costs, and address labor shortages.
 

Additionally, automation reduces the impact of disruptions caused by human factors, such as labor strikes, making ports more resilient in handling high container volumes. According to a Government Accountability Office, the ten largest ports in the U.S. have implemented various automation technologies to enhance cargo movement. These technologies include automated gates that allow trucks and containers to pass through terminals with minimal human intervention, as well as port community systems, which are digital platforms that streamline logistics and supply chain data automatically. Additionally, these ports utilize IoT systems that employ technologies like RFID, GPS, and cameras for equipment operation and container tracking.
 

Stringent environmental regulations imposed by governments constrain the growth of the container transshipment market. Ports must reduce emissions, manage waste, and minimize their environmental impact, increasing operational costs. Compliance often requires significant investment in cleaner technologies, alternative fuels, and sustainable infrastructure upgrades. While these measures are important for sustainability, they can delay expansion plans and capacity enhancements, limiting market growth in the short to medium term. This regulatory burden may particularly affect smaller ports and operators struggling with compliance.
 

North America Container Transshipment Market Analysis

Based on size, the market is segmented into small containers and large containers. In 2023, the large containers segment accounted for USD 1.3 billion and is expected to grow significantly over the forecast time frame. Large containers (40 feet) dominate the North American container transshipment market due to their efficiency in handling high-volume cargo. These containers enable shippers to optimize space utilization, reducing the cost per unit of cargo.
 

As trade volumes increase, particularly for goods transported across oceans, the demand for 40-foot containers continues to grow. Their capacity to accommodate bulkier and larger shipments makes them ideal for industries such as automotive, industrial goods, and electronics. This trend contributes to higher demand for large containers in the transshipment process, supporting market growth.
 

Based on the end use, the North America container transshipment market is divided into food & beverages, consumer goods, healthcare, industrial products, oil & gas, chemicals and others. The industrial products held 32% of the market share in 2023. The industrial products segment holds a major market share in the market due to the increasing demand for raw materials, machinery, and industrial components in global trade.
 

Industrial products, including heavy machinery and equipment, are commonly transshipped through North American ports as they move between manufacturing hubs across the globe. The rise of manufacturing activities in Asia-Pacific and Europe, coupled with growing cross-border trade in industrial goods, continues to drive the demand for efficient transshipment services in North America.
 

U.S. container transshipment market accounted for 80% of the revenue share in 2023, due to its robust port infrastructure, strategic geographical location, and high-volume trade relationships with Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Major U.S. ports, including those on the East and West Coasts, serve as critical transshipment hubs for global trade routes. The country's well-developed logistics networks, intermodal connectivity, and ongoing port modernization initiatives further strengthen its leadership in the transshipment market. As global trade continues to expand, the U.S.'s role in facilitating efficient container transshipment is expected to grow.
 

North America Container Transshipment Market Share

PSA International, APM Terminals, Hutchison Ports, DP World, CMA CGM, COSCO, and SSA Marine collectively held a significant market share of 33% in the North America container transshipment industry in 2023. PSA International is a major player in the global container transshipment market, expanding its operations through investments in advanced technologies and strategic partnerships. The company focuses on enhancing port automation, digitization, and sustainability. PSA's global network and partnerships with shipping lines allow it to provide seamless transshipment services across key hubs. The company is also exploring greener port solutions to maintain competitiveness and meet global environmental standards.
 

APM Terminals, part of the Maersk Group, is a major player in the container transshipment industry, leveraging its global port and inland services network. The company invests in technological advancements, including automated container handling systems, to enhance port efficiency. APM Terminals also focuses on sustainability initiatives, such as reducing carbon emissions at its terminals. Its strong integration with Maersk's shipping services helps ensure a steady flow of containers, making it a key competitor in the transshipment market.
 

North America Container Transshipment Market Companies

Major players operating in the North America container transshipment industry are:

• APM Terminals
• Ceres Global Ag
• Construction Navale Bordeaux
• Mediterranean Shipping Company
• MEYER WERFT GmbH & Co.
• Ports America
• PSA International
• Rhenus Group
• SSA Marine
• Viking Line
   

North America Container Transshipment Industry News

• In May 2024, Scan Global Logistics (SGL), a prominent global provider of transport and logistics solutions, announced a major partnership with Hapag-Lloyd, one of the largest container shipping companies worldwide. This collaboration features a multimillion-dollar ocean biofuel initiative, marking a significant advancement in the sustainability goals of both organizations. This partnership demonstrates their commitment to promoting environmentally friendly practices within the logistics and shipping sectors.
   
• In January 2024, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced a strategic operational collaboration. Named the "Gemini Cooperation," this partnership is set to take effect in February 2025, following the conclusion of their existing 2M Alliance. The new network will encompass seven key trade routes: Asia to the US West Coast, Asia to the US East Coast, Asia to the Middle East, Asia to the Mediterranean, Asia to Northern Europe, Middle East to India/Europe, and Transatlantic routes. This collaboration aims to enhance service offerings and efficiency across these critical shipping lanes.
   

The North America container transshipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) and Volume (TEUs) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Size

• Small containers (20 feet)
• Large containers (40 feet)

Market, By Container

• Dry storage
• Flat rack
• Refrigerated
• Special purpose
• Others

Market, By End Use

• Food & beverages
• Consumer goods
• Healthcare
• Industrial products
• Oil & gas
• Chemicals
• Others

Market, By Port

• Deep-water
• Shallow-water

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• U.S.
  • Alaska
  • California
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Maryland
  • New York
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Rest of U.S.
• Canada