Lloyd’s List has released the 16th edition of its One Hundred People ranking, naming US President Donald Trump as the most influential figure in global shipping for 2025.
The list identifies the individuals it considers to be shaping the direction of the maritime sector at a time of heightened geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty.
The US president takes the top position, which Lloyd’s List says reflects the impact of his administration’s “America First” agenda on global trade lanes and shipping economics. Port fees and tariffs introduced under these policies have altered trade patterns, reshaping routes and increasing operating costs for carriers and their customers.
The second spot is occupied by the NZF Opposition grouping, represented by Mohammad Ayoub and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside the Saudi Arabia UNFCCC contingent. Their combined stance, aligned with the US administration, on climate and emissions policy has had a direct bearing on negotiations affecting the maritime industry.
Lloyd’s List reports that US and Saudi resistance to emission levies contributed to the collapse of a landmark deal at the International Maritime Organization in 2025. The failure of that agreement has raised questions over the sector’s pathway towards its stated net-zero targets and the regulatory framework that will guide future investment.
These developments come against a backdrop of record global marine insurance premiums, which reached about $39.92 billion in 2024, although growth has slowed from 8.3% and 5.9% in the preceding two years as the market adjusts to new capacity and more competition.
Market observers have pointed to emerging overcapacity in cargo and hull lines, increasing pressure on underwriters to refine risk selection, sharpen pricing discipline and respond to changes in trade flows driven by tariffs, sanctions and route diversions.
“The Lloyd’s List One Hundred People ranking is the industry’s barometer of influence. Sixteen years on, it charts a sector grappling with threats to free trade, geopolitical headwinds, and stalled emissions policy,” said Linton Nightingale, deputy editor at Lloyd’s List.
The Aponte family of Mediterranean Shipping Co. ranks third, underlining the ongoing influence of one of the world’s largest container lines in global trade flows. In fourth place are Wan Min and Miao Jiamin of Cosco and China Merchants, highlighting the reach of Chinese state-linked interests in ports and shipping networks.
Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization, is listed fifth, reflecting his role at the centre of multilateral rulemaking on safety and environmental standards.
The so-called “shadow fleet” takes sixth place, acknowledging the growth of opaque tanker operations that have complicated sanctions enforcement and market transparency.
At seventh is Idan Ofer of Eastern Pacific Shipping, whose group has a broad presence across bulk, tanker and container segments. Maria Angelicoussis of Angelicoussis Shipping Group is ranked eighth, representing one of the largest private fleets in the deep-sea sector.
Ninth place goes to Daniel and Eyal Ofer of Zodiac Maritime, another major player in global vessel ownership. Evangelos Marinakis of Capital Group completes the top ten, underscoring the continued prominence of Greek shipowners in international shipping.
The rest of the list can be read here.
