There are several well-established Chinese ocean shipping companies that provide both domestic and international shipping services. These companies offer a variety of services, including container shipping, bulk cargo, and specialized logistics for different types of goods. Below are some of the major Chinese ocean shipping companies:

1. COSCO Shipping Lines (中国远洋海运公司)

• Overview: COSCO Shipping is one of the largest and most well-known ocean shipping companies in China and the world. It operates a vast fleet and provides global container shipping services.
• Services: COSCO offers a range of services, including container shipping, bulk cargo, logistics, and specialized cargo transportation (such as refrigerated goods or oversized equipment).
• Global Reach: They have a comprehensive network covering all major ports worldwide.
• Specialties: Known for large-scale container services and being part of COSCO Shipping Group, one of the largest shipping conglomerates globally.

2. China Shipping (中国海运集团)

• Overview: China Shipping is a major state-owned ocean freight company. It merged with COSCO in 2016, but continues to operate under its own name in some capacities, particularly for bulk shipping.
• Services: Provides container shipping, bulk cargo, and tanker services. Also offers logistics and supply chain management services.
• Global Reach: Operates a significant fleet serving routes between China and major global ports.
• Specialties: Known for its bulk carrier and oil tanker fleets in addition to container shipping.

3. China Ocean Shipping Agency (中远海运代理公司)

• Overview: This company is part of COSCO Shipping and focuses on providing shipping agency services in addition to container and bulk shipping.
• Services: Offers both full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) services, along with logistics solutions for shipping companies and cargo owners.
• Specialties: Provides comprehensive port services, including cargo handling, customs clearance, and freight forwarding.

4. Evergreen Marine Corporation (长荣海运)

• Overview: Evergreen Marine is a Taiwanese-owned company, but it operates heavily in China and has a significant market presence. It is one of the largest container shipping companies globally.
• Services: Container shipping services between China and major global ports, along with specialized logistics.
• Global Reach: Extensive network covering Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.
• Specialties: Evergreen is known for its large container fleet and consistent service offerings, especially in the Asia-Europe routes.

5. Sinotrans Limited (中外运)

• Overview: Sinotrans is a subsidiary of China National Foreign Trade Transportation (Group), which offers a wide range of ocean and logistics services.
• Services: Provides international ocean shipping, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and warehouse logistics services.
• Global Reach: Strong presence in China and throughout Asia, with partnerships with many global shipping lines.
• Specialties: Known for supply chain management and logistics solutions tailored to e-commerce, electronics, and general cargo.

6. ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM 中远集装箱航运有限公司)

• Overview: ZIM is an international shipping company, with significant operations in China. It has a strong partnership with COSCO for some routes.
• Services: Offers container shipping services on global routes, including Asia-to-Europe, Asia-to-US, and intra-Asian trade.
• Global Reach: Strong presence in China and other Asian ports, connecting with many global trade routes.
• Specialties: Known for high flexibility in shipping solutions, including niche services like LCL shipping and multi-modal transport.

7. Wan Hai Lines (万海航运)

• Overview: Wan Hai Lines is a major shipping company based in Taiwan but has a significant operational presence in China, especially for intra-Asian and regional routes.
• Services: Provides container shipping, with a strong focus on Asia-Pacific and China-based routes.
• Global Reach: Strong presence in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and routes to the Americas.
• Specialties: Focus on shorter routes in the Asia-Pacific region, including between China and Southeast Asian ports.

8. Hainan PO Shipping (海南海运)

• Overview: Hainan PO Shipping is a prominent Chinese-owned ocean shipping company that operates in both container shipping and bulk shipping.
• Services: Offers international shipping, specializing in bulk cargo and dry cargo transport in addition to containerized freight.
• Global Reach: Mainly operates within Asia but has routes to other parts of the world.
• Specialties: Known for its bulk shipping and breakbulk services in addition to regular container services.

9. PIL (Pacific International Lines)

• Overview: PIL is one of the largest privately-owned container shipping companies in Asia, with extensive operations in China and Southeast Asia.
• Services: Container shipping, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, along with logistics and supply chain services.
• Global Reach: Strong presence in Southeast Asia, China, and Africa.
• Specialties: Focus on intermodal shipping and connecting the Asia-Pacific region to other continents.

10. OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line)

• Overview: OOCL is a Hong Kong-based container shipping company with significant operations in mainland China. It is one of the world’s largest container shipping companies.
• Services: Container shipping services, including FCL, LCL, and specialized cargo.
• Global Reach: Major operations between China, Europe, and North America.
• Specialties: Focus on containerized shipping, with strong offerings on Asia-Europe and Asia-North America routes.

Key Services Offered by Chinese Ocean Shipping Companies

• Full Container Load (FCL): This involves booking an entire container for your shipment. It’s ideal for large shipments that fill up the container.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): This service is for smaller shipments, where you share container space with other customers.
• Bulk Shipping: Shipping large quantities of bulk goods, such as raw materials or oil, often requires specialized ships.
• Reefer Containers: For shipping perishable goods that require temperature control.
• Freight Forwarding: Handling logistics and customs clearance for shipments, including intermodal transportation (e.g., combining sea, air, and land transport).

Choosing the Right Ocean Shipping Company

When choosing a Chinese ocean shipping company, consider:

• Shipping volume: For larger shipments, FCL is more cost-effective; for smaller shipments, LCL or bulk shipping is ideal.
• Route and destination: Ensure the company has a strong network for the regions you’re shipping to.
• Cargo type: If you have perishable goods or oversized cargo, look for a company that offers specialized containers or services.
• Cost and transit time: Shipping costs and delivery times can vary significantly between companies. Get quotes from multiple providers to compare options.

By selecting the right shipping company for your needs, you can ensure efficient, cost-effective, and timely ocean transport from China.