In Depth: Consolidation in Container Shipping Getting More Challenging
The container shipping sector has seen a massive consolidation wave over the past few years, reducing the number of carriers considerably.
It is estimated that by 2021, 75% of the global containership fleet will be owned by only seven top-tier liner companies, compared to 37% in 2005.
Further consolidation in the sector through mergers and acquisitions cannot be ruled out, however, the window of opportunity for the trend to continue is closing amid ever tighter regulatory rules and less free players to absorb, according to Jeremy Nixon, CEO of Ocean Network Express (ONE).