What is the best shipping stock to buy?

Investing isn't a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and there is no one best stock for every single investor. Before buying any stock, an investor should consider their goals and risk tolerance, and choose a stock based on their own preferences. For those seeking a solid, reliable company that will ebb and flow with the economic tides, A.P. Moller Maersk could be a good option. However, investors who are willing to take on more risk in return for the potential for higher growth would likely find Zim Integrated a better option.

Are shipping stocks good investments?

Shipping plays a vital role in the global economy, providing some reliability to shipping stocks. But investors need to understand that the industry is highly cyclical, and companies that take on too much risk or fail to navigate rough waters carefully could end up issuing an SOS call. Investors buying stocks should limit their exposure to a small part of a well-diversified portfolio and understand that there is likely to be turbulence over time.

What is a shipping stock?

Shipping stocks are part of the broader global transportation field. Shipping usually refers to global trade, not transcontinental traffic, and is generally used to identify the companies that operate large, ocean-going vessels and companies that support those efforts.

Should I invest in shipping stocks?

Shipping stocks are not ideal for growth-focused investors, and given the industry's cyclical nature, investors should not put their entire net worth into them. But the industry is an important global bellwether that cannot easily be replaced. If you are looking for foundational companies that are closely tied to trade and economic activity, shipping stocks could be worth your attention.

Why do shipping stocks pay high dividends?

Many shipping stocks began as family partnerships and today pay high dividends because the family owners rely on them as their primary source of income. Shipping companies have massive initial costs and generate steady cash flow when they begin operating and when times are good.

Is shipping a growing industry?

Shipping tends to grow at the overall rate of the global economy, since a significant portion of economic output has to be moved from one place to another.

What are the 4 types of shipping markets?

The four types of shipping markets include:The freight, or primary, market, which is the actual service of moving cargo for shippersThe sale and purchase market, where existing ships are bought and sold among ownersThe new build market, which is the market for new vessel constructionThe demo, or scrap, market is where ships are sold to specialized yards to be broken down for steel scrap

6 Best Shipping Stocks in 2026 and How to Invest

Invest in the businesses that operate the massive vessels that make global trade possible.

By Lou Whiteman – Updated Jun 16, 2026 at 10:17 PM EST | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Shipping industry is essential, ensuring that supply chains operate smoothly even during disruptions.
Investments in shipping stocks offer stability given the indispensable nature of global maritime transport.
Diverse shipping stock options available, including companies like A.P. Moller Maersk and Global Ship Lease.

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Ticker Information Table
Name and ticker	Market cap	Current price	Dividend yield
A.p. Møller - Mærsk A/s (OTC:AMKBY)	$12.2 billion	$12.18	2.97%
Matson (NYSE:MATX)	$5.9 billion	$196.24	0.73%
Star Bulk Carriers (NASDAQ:SBLK)	$3.0 billion	$26.85	3.87%
Zim Integrated Shipping Services (NYSE:ZIM)	$2.9 billion	$24.58	5.11%
Global Ship Lease (NYSE:GSL)	$1.4 billion	$38.10	6.19%
Genco Shipping & Trading (NYSE:GNK)	$1.0 billion	$23.32	4.89%

Data as of Jun 17, 2026. Showing 6 of 6 total entries.

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OTC: AMKBY

A.p. Møller - Mærsk A/s

Today's Change

(-1.62%) $-0.20

Current Price

$12.18

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$12B

Day's Range

$12.15 - $12.40

52wk Range

$8.95 - $14.32

Volume

38.4K

Avg Vol

123.9K

Dividend Yield

2.97%

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Its shipping business operates a fleet of almost 700 vessels, including several massive ships that can hold 18,000 containers each. Its terminal business has a presence in some of the world's largest ports, including Rotterdam, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Singapore.

Maersk's size and scale make it more resilient across the business cycle, and they give the company the resources to invest in future technology and innovation. For more than a decade, Maersk has been experimenting with eco-friendly options such as algae biofuel.

The company is also a leader in digital warehousing and distribution technology, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline cargo flows and improve overall efficiency.

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Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Supply chain management is the act of overseeing and directing the entire process of creating a product or service, getting it to the customer, and handling returns if needed.

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2. Matson

Matson's history dates back to the late 1800s when the company was formed to provide a link between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii. Today, it remains one of the primary transporters of goods to U.S. Pacific territories and Alaska. It also offers premium, expedited service between the U.S. mainland and China.

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NYSE: MATX

Matson

Today's Change

(0.11%) $0.23

Current Price

$196.24

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$5.9B

Day's Range

$194.00 - $196.89

52wk Range

$86.97 - $203.08

Volume

76.7K

Avg Vol

247.8K

Gross Margin

22.42%

Dividend Yield

0.73%

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Matson is one of the more diversified companies on this list in terms of ship types, with a fleet of more than a dozen vessels, including container ships and custom-designed barges. Investors interested in multimodal transportation might also benefit from its use of combination vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, and even railroad cars.

Matson also operates a logistics arm that works with customers to help route shipments. With Matson, investors get a stock that has exposure to both the global shipping boom and the reliable business of ferrying freight to U.S. markets, where water (and not highways) is the most effective means of transportation.

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3. Star Bulk Carriers

Star Bulk is a Greek shipping line that trades in the U.S. and operates a fleet of 137 dry bulk vessels. The company's fleet of massive ships transports commodities, such as grains, fertilizers, minerals, and steel products, around the world.

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NASDAQ: SBLK

Star Bulk Carriers

Today's Change

(0.83%) $0.22

Current Price

$26.85

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$3.0B

Day's Range

$26.65 - $27.07

52wk Range

$16.21 - $28.50

Volume

485.4K

Avg Vol

1.2M

Gross Margin

27.86%

Dividend Yield

3.87%

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NYSE: ZIM

Zim Integrated Shipping Services

Today's Change

(0.47%) $0.12

Current Price

$24.57

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$2.9B

Day's Range

$24.16 - $24.72

52wk Range

$12.33 - $29.97

Volume

539.9K

Avg Vol

1.4M

Gross Margin

10.74%

Dividend Yield

5.11%

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This is a boom-and-bust business, but Zim's relatively young fleet gives it an advantage in fuel efficiency and other maintenance costs. The company is also positioned along some of the world's most important shipping lanes, including the Asia-to-Europe routes.

When demand cools, cash flow can quickly turn negative. Zim and its competitors have to react quickly to trends to avoid being capsized. However, Zim has been managed well, making it one of the more exciting investment stories in the shipping sector.

5. Global Ship Lease

Global Ship Lease is a British-based company that owns a fleet of 69 container ships, which it charters to operators under long-term, fixed-rate agreements. The company is set up to provide the extra capacity large shippers need when times are good.

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NYSE: GSL

Global Ship Lease

Today's Change

(-1.75%) $-0.68

Current Price

$38.10

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.4B

Day's Range

$38.05 - $38.72

52wk Range

$25.45 - $42.70

Volume

2.9K

Avg Vol

336K

Gross Margin

53.33%

Dividend Yield

6.19%

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During tough times in recent years, when there was a lot more uncertainty, Global Ship expanded its fleet by about 50% by acquiring 23 ships in a buyer's market. The ships generated more than $1 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) in their first year of ownership, primarily via leases with large operators such as Maersk.

This is a business that can be more exposed to cycles than a typical shipper, since operators will use their wholly owned assets before turning to leased ships when demand isn't strong. But if Global Ship Lease can acquire ships at good prices, it can perform in any environment, and its dividend yield of more than 5% makes it a good choice for income-focused investors.

6. Genco Shipping & Trading

Genco is a dry bulk operator with a fleet of more than 40 ships that transports commodities worldwide. The company works closely with its customers, providing an in-house commercial operating platform to help manage shipments of iron ore, grain, steel, cement, and other dry goods.

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NYSE: GNK

Genco Shipping & Trading

Today's Change

(-0.81%) $-0.19

Current Price

$23.32

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$1.0B

Day's Range

$23.30 - $24.21

52wk Range

$12.84 - $27.25

Volume

155.3K

Avg Vol

341.7K

Gross Margin

18.54%

Dividend Yield

4.89%

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Shipping stocks FAQ

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About the Author

Lou Whiteman is a contributing Motley Fool stock analyst covering aerospace, defense, transport, manufacturing, specialty finance, and bank stocks. Previously, Lou was a financial analyst and senior writer for TheStreet, a venture capital specialist for The Deal LLC, and a high school personal finance teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Loyola University Maryland and completed a fellowship at the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

TMFLouWhiteman

@louwhiteman

Lou Whiteman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Zim Integrated Shipping Services. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

6 Best Shipping Stocks in 2026 and How to Invest

Invest in the businesses that operate the massive vessels that make global trade possible.

Key Points

Key Data Points

2. Matson

Key Data Points

3. Star Bulk Carriers

Key Data Points

Key Data Points

5. Global Ship Lease

Key Data Points

6. Genco Shipping & Trading

Key Data Points

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Shipping stocks FAQ

What is the best shipping stock to buy?

Are shipping stocks good investments?

What is a shipping stock?

Should I invest in shipping stocks?

Why do shipping stocks pay high dividends?

Is shipping a growing industry?

What are the 4 types of shipping markets?

1. A.P. Moller Maersk

2. Matson

3. Star Bulk Carriers

4. Zim Integrated Shipping Services

5. Global Ship Lease

6. Genco Shipping & Trading

How to invest in shipping stocks

Benefits and risks of investing in shipping stocks

Should you invest in shipping stocks?

FAQ

Top six shipping stocks for 2026

Key Data Points

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