Turning to another subject, we see that Hapag Lloyd is the next major container line to effectively be put on the market. There is a German grouping that hopes to keep the line as an independent entity but there is also the possibility of consolidation, or more precisely acquisition, by another major player such as Neptune Orient Lines.

Acquisition, however, is not something that is a straightforward process as Maersk’s purchase of P&O Nedlloyd proved. In fact, it can prove to have serious landmines attached to it. Integrating two large entities and maintaining market share is not a challenge to be faced by the faint-hearted. Consequently, it will be interesting to watch this process unfold, see how many serious bidders emerge, what eventually happens with the line and the degree of success achieved following its acquisition. All the more so as the sale will take place in a marketplace that looks set to be somewhat patchy in its health over the next few months.

Certainly it is interesting food for thought as to what the big shipping line acquisition offers to a major player when you contrast it to the type of tactic pursued by CMA-CGM in recent times. This Top 5 container line has just announced a stunning set of results which included carrying 7.68m teu, an increase of 29% over the previous year, and realising a net profit which rose by 58% to $966m on a turnover of $11.8bn. Its strategy for expansion has basically been to rely on organic growth – in 2007 it opened 42 new services – coupled with the acquisition of three niche carriers, Cheng Lie, Comanav and US Lines. It is a strategy that looks to have considerable merit when judged against its 2007 results. And of course another large scale merger, sale or consolidation will undoubtedly have an impact on port calls as the overlaps are removed and/or routes are revised. Certainly one to watch from a port perspective.