What is a Shipping Line?
A Shipping Line (also called Ocean Carrier or Container Line) is a company that owns, charters, or operates container ships and sells cargo space to shippers. Shipping lines issue their own Master Bills of Lading and are responsible for the physical transportation of cargo between ports.
Major Shipping Lines Operating in UAE
- Maersk — world's largest container shipping line
- MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) — 2nd largest globally
- CMA CGM — French carrier, major UAE presence
- COSCO — Chinese state carrier
- Emirates Shipping Line — UAE flag carrier
Shipping Line vs Freight Forwarder
A shipping line physically transports cargo and issues Master B/Ls. A freight forwarder arranges transportation on behalf of the cargo owner and may issue House B/Ls as an NVOCC.
