Pointing the finger

摘要

With many ocean carriers set to declare record losses ranging between USD200 million and USD 1.5 billion for 2009, it is hardly surprising that cries for state aid or state assistance are growing - and look set to continue increasing in 2010.rnBut should they be bailed out, or just left to stew in their own juices? The answer largely depends on who is perceived to be the most to blame, as it is usually that party who should be left to pick up the pieces.rnShippers appear to have already made up their minds over the matter, even though many governments remain ambivalent. Speaking for many, Andrew Traill of UK-based shipper lobby group The Shippers' Voice, and previously policy director of the ESC, said: 'I think it is time to draw a line in the sand and learn the lessons of the past extraordinary year, and the years leading up to it.