Big terminal operators take control

摘要

Following the steps of the world's largest container shipping lines, major international terminal operators are also increasing their control of the market through acquisitions and organic growth. London-based Drewry Shipping Consultants' annual review of global container terminal operators estimated the 20 largest operators control 56.7 percent of the total worldwide box throughput (see chart). For comparison, American Shipper found that the top 20 container shipping lines have about 75 percent of the total containership capacity (October American Shipper, page 70). Significantly, only two of the major international terminal operators are U.S. based. Drewry also included carrier-affiliated terminal operations in its ranking, such as those of Evergreen, COSCO, Hanjin and APL―and container carrier ownership today is skewed towards Asia and Europe. Of the 20 largest container terminal operators, 10 are carrier-affiliated and one (P&O Ports) is part of a group that owns 50 percent of a carrier (P&O Nedlloyd).