News / Container shipping alliances could be the key to survival for mid-size ocean carriers

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To remain competitive and have any hope of returning to consistent profitability, mid-sized container shipping lines need to undertake a deep-rooted internal transformation and form alliances.

According to a report released last week by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), around $1bn of savings could be shared by partners in each “midsize alliance”.

This equatesto 2.5-3% of the overall cost base of current alliances, if carriers joined forces on a whole range of cost factors.

BCG described the container shipping industry as “a dangerous combination ...