Container shipping news 2017

Here are some key container shipping news stories from 2017:

1. Maersk Line's Mega-Ship Maiden Voyage

In March 2017, Maersk Line launched its largest container ship, the Emma Maersk, which measures 397 meters (1,302 feet) in length and has a capacity of 15,220 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The ship was designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

2. Hanjin Shipping's Bankruptcy

In August 2017, South Korea's Hanjin Shipping, one of the world's largest container shipping companies, filed for bankruptcy. The company's financial struggles were attributed to overcapacity, low freight rates, and increased competition.

3. Ocean Alliance's New Container Shipping Network

In June 2017, the Ocean Alliance, a partnership between CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen Line, and Evergreen Marine, launched a new container shipping network that aimed to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The alliance covered 21 services and 120 ports worldwide.

4. Maersk Line's Digitalization Efforts

In 2017, Maersk Line launched several digitalization initiatives, including a new online platform for booking and tracking shipments, as well as a blockchain-based platform for tracking containers. The company aimed to reduce costs and improve customer service through digitalization.

5. Container Shipping Industry's Financial Struggles

In 2017, the container shipping industry continued to face financial struggles, with many companies reporting losses and struggling to maintain profitability. The industry's overcapacity, low freight rates, and increased competition were major contributing factors.

6. New Container Shipping Regulations

In 2017, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented new regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. The regulations required ships to reduce their sulfur emissions by 85% by 2020.

7. Container Shipping Mergers and Acquisitions

In 2017, there were several container shipping mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Hamburg Süd by Maersk Line and the merger of COSCO Shipping and China Shipping Container Lines.

8. Container Shipping Industry's Sustainability Efforts

In 2017, the container shipping industry made efforts to improve its sustainability, including the adoption of alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrogen fuel cells. The industry also launched initiatives to reduce waste and increase recycling.

9. Container Shipping Disruptions

In 2017, the container shipping industry faced several disruptions, including strikes, port congestion, and natural disasters. These disruptions affected global trade and supply chains.

10. Container Shipping Industry's Outlook

In 2017, the container shipping industry's outlook was uncertain, with many experts predicting a continued decline in freight rates and profitability. However, the industry also saw opportunities for growth and innovation, particularly in the areas of digitalization and sustainability.