Events of the past year could shape container shipping for the coming decade. Much now depends on regulators and whether they will approve plans to create the largest vessel-sharing agreement of all time. If they do, then 2013 may come to be regarded as a turning point for the industry as the world's top three lines decided to cast aside past rivalries and work together to establish a jointly-managed fleet, while continuing to compete for customers and cargo. There was little hint at the start of the year of what was to come, with freight rates in fairly good shape after the recovery efforts of 2012, and industry leaders quietly confident that there would be a reasonable peak season to see carriers through the next 12 months.
展开▼
