United Arab Shipping Company

United Arab Shipping Company Ltd. (UASC), founded in 1976 as a joint venture by six Persian Gulf states Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE is the largest container shipping line in the Middle East. Headquartered in Dubai, UASC operates an extensive global network with nearly 200 offices worldwide, covering more than 275 ports and destinations. The company specializes in containerized cargo transportation, including dry, refrigerated, and special cargo, and offers a range of value-added maritime services such as freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, trucking, and ship repair.

Over the decades, UASC has grown from a regional carrier into a global shipping powerhouse. It distinguished itself by operating one of the youngest container fleets in the market and undertaking one of the industry’s largest and most technologically advanced vessel programs, including LNG-ready ultra-large containerships that enhance environmental sustainability by enabling dual fuel use (heavy fuel oil and liquefied natural gas). UASC’s strategic focus lies in connecting the Middle East to global trade routes, serving markets across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas with competitive pricing and innovative shipping solutions.

In 2017, UASC merged with German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, consolidating its position within the global maritime industry while continuing to emphasize operational efficiency, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility. Throughout its history, UASC has been recognized for its contributions to regional economic cooperation and its role in facilitating international trade within and beyond the Middle East. The company’s broad service portfolio spans container shipping, logistics, air cargo, and project cargo, making it a comprehensive provider in the global supply chain landscape.