Carriers Largest Losses Since 2008

Posted on Aug 5

In the last year, steamship lines are reporting losses at levels not seen since the global economy collapse in 2008. Some may call it a “perfect storm” in the logistics world. Carriers are seeing industry overcapacity, unsustainably low rates and a global economic downturn with weak demand for freight to be moved. The resulting fallout is more carriers merging, the number of shipping lanes being reduced or restructured, vessels being scrapped, and carriers scrambling to contain costs.CMA CGM recently announced acquisition of APL (NOL Group) in June. A. P. Moller Maersk set the foundation in June for a restructuring of their organization to potentially split up the companies. Hapag-Lloyd and UASC are set to merge by the end of 2016. Hamburg Süd and CCNI merged at the end of 2015 along with COSCO and CSCL completing a merger during the same timeframe.The top three carriers ranked globally are APM-Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping and CMA-CGM/APL respectively. These three account for nearly 40% of the global market share according to Drewry Maritime Equity Research. Mergers and acquisitions during 2016 and 2017 will likely continue as a means for lines to survive rather than a desire for growth.