Supply Chain Research

Maersk has filed to the EU for regulatory approval for its acquisition of Hamburg Sud. An initial decision is due by March 27, but this will likely be extended for another 90 days. Approval is contingent on an assessment of the competitive landscape. That is complicated by the start of new alliances in April and consolidation elsewhere in the sector. U.S.-bound routes are unlikely to be a problem from the EU broadly as Hamburg Sud only adds 12% to Maersk’s volumes. However, on specific lanes it is much more relevant – for example from Germany. The bigger issue will be Brazilian routes, w...