EnShippers operating U.S.-inbound containerized freight saw, on average, growth of 6.4% on a TEU basis, Panjiva data shows. It was also the first month that the big three alliances were all operating, which might have been expected to generate disruption. This appears to have been limited to Asia-Europe routes, however.
Among the top 10 shippers only CMA-CGM appeared to see lower traffic, though this reflects internal reorganization with Neptune Orient. Hyundai Merchant Marine saw the fastest growth, likely reflecting the 24% expansion in exports seen in South Korea as outlined in Panjiva research of May 2. The Japanese shippers meanwhile saw their handling expand between 15.0% (Mitsui OSK) and 30.3% (K-Line). That came ahead of them not being allowed by the Federal Maritime Commission to coordinate operations ahead of their formal merger of their container operations in July.
Source: Panjiva
While its growth was significant, Mitsui OSK nonetheless lost ground to its peers over the past quarter and saw its rank drop to tenth behind NYK. Meanwhile ZIM saw its share drop to 1.83% points in the three months to April 30, 0.23% points lower than a year earlier. That may reflect its lack of direct presence in an alliance. Putting aside mergers, organic consolidation in shipping continued with the top 20 carriers handling 64.5% of all traffic, 5.0% points higher than a year earlier. That was higher than the 63% share achieved in the first quarter of 2016.
Source: Panjiva
Congressional concerns about the shipping alliances’ antitrust exemptions remain. Panjiva analysis of over 2,300 carrier-country pairs shows the 2M Alliance helds number one positions on 13 out of the 57 countries analyzed and is number two on a further nine. THE Alliance, by contrast has eight number one ranks and Ocean has seven. However, the presence of mid- and smaller-sized players on specific routes, as well as the NVOCCs provide a defense.
Source: Panjiva
