CMA CGM appears on track to overtake Maersk in TEU capacity

JUST a few years ago, the notion that Maersk would drop to third place in the global container line rankings would have seemed implausible, but current data suggests that this will indeed be the forthcoming reality in the industry, reports container-news.

French maritime carrier CMA CGM is steadily progressing toward surpassing the Danish shipping giant, positioning itself as the world's second-largest container carrier regarding vessel container capacity.

Currently, the Maersk fleet boasts a container capacity of 4,149,918 TEU, securing a 15.2 per cent market share.  Conversely, CMA CGM holds 12.8 per cent of the market with a container capacity of 3,514,318 TEU.  Alphaliner data reveals that CMA CGM has the second-largest order book, trailing only MSC in this regard. In contrast, Maersk has not pursued new building containerships to the same extent as its competitors.

Particularly noteworthy is CMA CGM's plan to augment its fleet capacity by an impressive 1,211,371 TEU through its current order book, comprising 117 vessels. In comparison, Maersk is set to enhance its capacity by a more modest 404,800 TEU across 33 new vessels.

Given the present trajectory of new building orders from these two maritime giants, it is anticipated that the Marseille-based carrier will ascend to the second position once its new vessels come into service.

Notably, Maersk has recently embraced an integration strategy, potentially explaining its reduced focus on new building programmes, as it reallocates attention to other sectors and activities.

While the outcomes of this strategy have yet to fully manifest for the company headquartered in Copenhagen, it will be intriguing to observe whether Maersk continues along this path or opts for adjustments in light of its comparatively weaker financial results.

Source : HKSG