Despite the planned merger of Japanese container operations, the industry needs further[ds_preview] consolidation, according to analysts from Maritime Strategies International (MSI). In their view, more and more mid-sized lines might disappear.MSI´s latest »Container Shipping Forecaster« focuses the contrasting fortunes. »Whilst freight rates have improved marginally from the extreme lows, most liner companies are now at best breaking even, with weaker lines still probably in a loss-making position. The situation is even worse for charter owners with most mid-sized vessel classes«, it is said.
