New players for terminal sector

PSA International, Hutchison Ports, APM Terminals and DP World remain the top four global terminal operators in terms of equity teu and portfolios, according to Drewry’s Annual Review of Global Container Terminal Operators.

But, outside of the top four players, the likes of COSCO Pacific, China Shipping Terminal Development and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) have been growing rapidly.

Mr Davidson told PS: “In addition, several players not currently categorised by Drewry as global/international terminal operators are growing fast and have a strong appetite for international expansion.”

These include China Merchants Holdings International, Gulftainer, Bolloré and Yildirim. GPI, SAAM Ports, Ultramar and Ports America are also making selected expansions or are seeking to acquire.

While the top four are “unlikely” to change, Mr Davidson says other operators can pursue and win Greenfield opportunities to bridge the gap. “But this is never going to be as effective as the fast-track option – acquisition of existing assets or portfolios,” he added.

The review found that DP World and APM Terminals have remained at the top by focusing on acquisitions, divestments and Greenfield developments, while TIL and Hanjin have also been actively expanding its portfolio.

In terms of regions, European and North American volumes continue to suffer on the back of the Eurozone weakness, but Drewry says it expects a global average growth forecast of 5.4% per annum through to 2017 as North America levels improve.

Top 10 global/international terminal operators’ equity based throughput, 2012