Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2016-2031)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 20.7 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $63.7bn in 2026.
Trends and Insights
Expanded capacity and softer demand pressure deep-sea freight rates
- Ocean carriers responded to severe capacity shortages during the pandemic recovery by aggressively ordering ships and chartering additional vessels. Averitt reported in 2021 that 37.0% of shippers experienced capacity issues, a 12.0% increase from 2020, as port congestion and strong consumer spending strained available slot availability. Tight capacity drove the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) to $5,000 per TEU by late 2021, creating powerful financial incentives for carriers to expand fleets and capture elevated spot rates.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2026-2031)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Carrier alliance reshuffles will raise competition and costs in the industry
- The dissolution of the 2M Alliance and the creation of new alliances, such as the Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, are reshaping the industry's landscape. These shifts aim to maintain carriers' stable market shares. They will also introduce more competition in the industry, as seen with MSC operating independently and THE Alliance rebranding as the Premier Alliance following Hapag-Lloyd’s departure.
Biggest companies in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2026 | Revenue ($m)
2026 | Profit ($m)
2026 | Profit Margin (%)
2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Carnival Corporation | 15,480.7 | 2,637.2 | 17.0 | |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd | 9,683.6 | 3,791.8 | 39.2 | |
AP Moller - Maersk Group | 7,414.8 | 1,067.2 | 14.4 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 9 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Deep-sea passenger transportation, Deep-sea freight transportation and Coastal and Great Lakes freight transportation. Deep-sea passenger transportation is the largest segment of the Ocean & Coastal Transportation in the US.
Trends and Insights
Deep sea passenger cruises gain from strong demand for Alaska and exotic destinations
- Deep-sea passenger services are multi-day ocean voyages on large cruise ships that transport travelers between ports while bundling transportation with lodging, food, entertainment and excursions on routes such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and transatlantic crossings. This product holds the largest share of industry revenue because it operates high-occupancy vessels on repeatable itineraries, captures upfront ticket payments and substantial onboard spending and benefits from strong brand loyalty and bookings that reduce revenue volatility compared to freight rates tied to trade cycles.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
This industry provides deep-sea, coastal and Great Lakes water transportation, including using the St. Lawrence Seaway. It encompasses US-flagged and non-US-flagged vessels, though operators must primarily be US-based. Marine transportation services active on the St. Lawrence River are part of the Great Lakes Water Transportation System and, therefore, are included in this report. The industry also provides deep-sea passenger services like cruise ships.
What's included in this industry?
Products and services covered in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States include Deep-sea water transportation, Coastal water transportation, Great Lakes water transportation and St. Lawrence Seaway water transportation.Companies
Companies covered in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States include Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and AP Moller - Maersk Group.Purchase this report to view all 9 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
Related terms covered in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States include containerized, st. lawrence seaway, deadweight tonnage, conference, flag of convenience and teu.Industry Code
NAICS 48311 - Ocean & Coastal Transportation in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
The industry narrowed its pricing disadvantage with land-based vacations by shifting toward luxury offerings. Premium positioning and high-end amenities attracted affluent tr...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Employees, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Businesses, including historical (2016-2025) and forecast (2026-2031)
- Profit, including historical (2016-2026)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Higher-income travelers are driving cruise demand through increased vacation spending. Affluent consumers' growing preference for premium cruise experiences is translating in...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2026
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2026
- Major market segmentation in 2026
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
The Southeast's warm climate makes it a prime maritime hub. Its reliable weather and vigorous business activity allow the industry to have uninterrupted shipping and quality ...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2026
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2026
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2026
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2026
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2026
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Big names bank on brand recognition. Fresh faces will struggle to match the established reputation and economies of scale industry giants enjoy, undercutting rising companies...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2021-2026
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
AP Moller—Maersk Group is a major force in this industry. Having major shipping solutions that meet the high demands of international trade helps the company stay above water...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2022 through 2026
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2026
- Overview of Carnival Corporation's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of AP Moller - Maersk Group's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2020 through 2026
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 6 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Carnival Corporation, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for AP Moller - Maersk Group, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 6 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
The Jones Act keeps US coastal shipping under domestic control. Mandating that domestic cargo moves on US-built and crewed ships secures maritime industry stability and secur...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2016-2031)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2016-2031)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Cruise lines' luxury-focused growth offsets maritime shipping's margin pressure. Strong cruise profitability prevents overall industry profit drop despite freight rate compre...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2026
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2026
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2019-2024)
- Industry Tax Structure (2019-2024)
- Income Statement (2019-2024)
- Balance Sheet (2019-2024)
- Liquidity Ratios (2019-2024)
- Coverage Ratios (2019-2024)
- Leverage Ratios (2019-2024)
- Operating Ratios (2019-2024)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2016-2031)
- Revenue per Employee (2016-2031)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- Employees per Establishment (2016-2031)
- Employees per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- Average Wage (2016-2031)
- Wages/Revenue (2016-2031)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2016-2031)
- IVA/Revenue (2016-2031)
- Imports/Demand (2016-2031)
- Exports/Revenue (2016-2031)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2016-2031)
- IVA (2016-2031)
- Establishments (2016-2031)
- Enterprises (2016-2031)
- Employment (2016-2031)
- Exports (2016-2031)
- Imports (2016-2031)
- Wages (2016-2031)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States in 2026?
The market size of the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States is $63.7bn in 2026.
How many businesses are there in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States in 2026?
There are 879 businesses in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States, which has grown at a CAGR of 1.7 % between 2021 and 2026.
How may import tariffs affect the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States?
The Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States is unlikely to be materially impacted by import tariffs with imports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
How may export tariffs affect the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States?
The Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States is unlikely to be materially impacted by export tariffs with exports accounting for a low share of industry revenue.
Has the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States has been growing at a CAGR of 20.7 % between 2021 and 2026.
What is the forecast growth of the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States are Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and AP Moller - Maersk Group
What does the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States include?
Deep-sea water transportation and Coastal water transportation are part of the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States?
The company holding the most market share in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States is Carnival Corporation.
How competitive is the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States?
The level of competition is moderate and increasing in the Ocean & Coastal Transportation industry in the United States.
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
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