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Maritime · head to head

Clarksons vs MDS Transmodal

Clarksons logo

Clarksons

Maritime

World's leading shipbroker and data provider

From
$3000/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MDS Transmodal logo

MDS Transmodal

Maritime

Freight transport data and analysis

From
$600/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Clarksons no pricing published on website; MDS Transmodal no pricing published on website, consulting-based engagement only
  • They diverge on capability: Clarksons covers Market intelligence, MDS Transmodal covers Container trade data.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Clarksons and MDS Transmodal actually diverge.

Attributes where Clarksons and MDS Transmodal differ
AttributeClarksonsMDS Transmodal
Starting price$3000/month$600/month
PlatformsWeb, ApiWeb
Founded18521988

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Maritime).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Clarksons

  • Market intelligence
  • Fleet database
  • Freight rates
  • Research reports
  • API
  • Excel add-in
  • Api support

Only in MDS Transmodal

  • Container trade data
  • Port statistics
  • Intermodal analysis
  • Custom research
  • Custom reports

Both cover

  • Data exports
  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Clarksons

  • Maritime brokerage and shipping servicesnot MDS Transmodal
  • Ship finance and leasingnot MDS Transmodal
  • Shipping market researchnot MDS Transmodal
  • Port services and operationsnot MDS Transmodal

MDS Transmodal

  • Transport market feasibility studies and demand forecasting for new opportunitiesnot Clarksons
  • Infrastructure planning and transport network capacity analysisnot Clarksons
  • Due diligence and risk assessment for freight investment decisionsnot Clarksons
  • Freight sector policy analysis and regulatory impact evaluationnot Clarksons
  • Quantitative modeling across maritime, rail, road, and logisticsnot Clarksons

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Clarksons

  • No pricing published on website
  • Pricing model not disclosed
  • Enterprise maritime services requiring custom quotes
  • Multiple business lines (broking, finance, research, ports, tech) with different pricing
  • Direct sales contact required

MDS Transmodal

  • No pricing published on website, consulting-based engagement only
  • Requires direct contact and negotiation for each project engagement
  • Results and services dependent on consultant experience and proprietary databases
  • Not a self-service platform, requires human expertise and custom analysis

Pricing, plan by plan

Clarksons

$3000/month
  • Shipping Intelligence Network$5000/month
    • Market data
    • Fleet database
    • Research reports

MDS Transmodal

$600/month
  • Data Access$1200/month
    • Container data
    • Port statistics
    • Trade flows

Which should you pick?

Choose Clarksons if

  • You need market intelligence.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want fleet database.
Clarksons review

Choose MDS Transmodal if

  • You need container trade data.
  • You also want port statistics.
MDS Transmodal review

Questions people ask

Is Clarksons or MDS Transmodal better?
Neither clearly leads. Clarksons starts at $3000/month and MDS Transmodal at $600/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Clarksons or MDS Transmodal?
Clarksons starts at $3000/month and MDS Transmodal at $600/month.
Does Clarksons or MDS Transmodal run on more platforms?
Clarksons runs on Web, Api. MDS Transmodal runs on Web.
What is Clarksons best used for?
Clarksons is most often used for maritime brokerage and shipping services, ship finance and leasing, shipping market research, port services and operations. Of those, maritime brokerage and shipping services and ship finance and leasing are not what MDS Transmodal is typically brought in for.
What can Clarksons do that MDS Transmodal cannot?
Clarksons covers Market intelligence, Fleet database, Freight rates, Research reports. MDS Transmodal covers Container trade data, Port statistics, Intermodal analysis, Custom research. Both handle Data exports, Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Clarksons: How much does Clarksons charge for its services?

Clarksons does not publish pricing on its website. The company operates as a marine and shipping services provider with five business lines. Pricing is customized by service line and must be obtained by contacting Clarksons directly.

Source
MDS Transmodal: How much does MDS Transmodal cost?

MDS Transmodal does not publish pricing on its website. It is a consulting firm providing bespoke strategic advice. Pricing is quote-based and depends on project scope, duration, data requirements, and consultant time allocation. Contact them directly to discuss your specific transport economics needs.

Source
Clarksons: Which Clarksons division should I contact for pricing?

Clarksons has five business divisions: Broking, Financial Services, Research, Port Services, and Technology. Contact their specific department for pricing relevant to your needs.

Source
MDS Transmodal: Does MDS Transmodal offer a software platform or only consulting?

MDS Transmodal is primarily a transport economics consulting firm, not a software vendor. They provide strategic consulting, quantitative analysis, and modeling services. While they maintain proprietary databases and models, they do not offer a self-service software platform.

Source
MDS Transmodal: Does MDS Transmodal cover all transportation modes?

Yes. MDS Transmodal provides analysis and consulting across road, rail, air, and maritime freight sectors. Their expertise spans port connectivity, global shipping networks, trade corridor analysis, and multi-modal supply chain optimization for clients worldwide.

Source
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