Container shipping news 2019
Here are some key container shipping news stories from 2019:
1. Maersk's Digitalization Efforts
In January 2019, Maersk, the world's largest container shipping company, announced its plans to digitalize its entire container shipping business. The company aimed to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience through the use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
2. Container Shipping Congestion
In February 2019, container shipping congestion became a major issue in several major ports around the world, including the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of New York and New Jersey, and the Port of Rotterdam. The congestion was caused by a combination of factors, including increased demand, vessel delays, and labor shortages.
3. Hapag-Lloyd's IPO
In March 2019, Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world's largest container shipping companies, went public with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The IPO raised €1.4 billion and valued the company at around €10 billion.
4. COSCO Shipping's Acquisition of Orient Overseas Container Line
In April 2019, COSCO Shipping, a Chinese state-owned shipping company, completed its acquisition of Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), a Hong Kong-based container shipping company. The acquisition made COSCO Shipping the world's third-largest container shipping company.
5. Container Shipping Emissions
In May 2019, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by at least 50% by 2050. The IMO also set a goal to reduce emissions from container shipping by 40% by 2030.
6. Maersk's Carbon Neutrality Ambition
In June 2019, Maersk announced its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2050. The company plans to achieve this goal by reducing its carbon emissions through the use of alternative fuels, such as biofuels and wind power, and by increasing its use of digital technologies to optimize its operations.
7. Container Shipping Rates
In July 2019, container shipping rates experienced a significant increase due to a combination of factors, including increased demand, vessel delays, and labor shortages. The increase in rates was particularly pronounced on key trade lanes, such as the Asia-Europe and Asia-US routes.
8. Evergreen Marine's Acquisition of Evergreen Line
In August 2019, Evergreen Marine, a Taiwanese shipping company, acquired Evergreen Line, a container shipping company that operates a fleet of over 100 vessels. The acquisition made Evergreen Marine one of the world's largest container shipping companies.
9. Container Shipping Safety
In September 2019, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) launched a joint initiative to improve safety in the container shipping industry. The initiative aimed to reduce the number of accidents and injuries in the industry by promoting a culture of safety and improving safety standards.
10. Maersk's Acquisition of Hamburg Süd
In November 2019, Maersk completed its acquisition of Hamburg Süd, a German container shipping company. The acquisition made Maersk the world's largest container shipping company, with a combined fleet of over 750 vessels.
These are just a few of the key container shipping news stories from 2019. The year was marked by significant developments in the industry, including digitalization efforts, congestion issues, and changes in the global shipping landscape.