Maersk Expects Healthier 2017 for Shippers

 

Post-Hanjin, ocean freight customers now stressing stability and avoiding risk to supply chains, not just rates, he said.

 

"The bankruptcy of South Korea's Hanjin Shipping and a consolidation in the container shipping industry will pave the way for a better year for the industry," he told the international news wire.

 

Maersk Line is seeing a more balanced supply-demand situation this year in its talks with customers after years of overcapacity and excessive optimism about demand.

 

Maersk Line expects to be profitable this year after a US$384 million (S$546 million) loss it booked last year. It also expects the global container market to grow 2 per cent to 4 per cent amid the consolidation wave.