News / Crunch time approaching fast for ports and terminals as shipping alliances look to cut costs

© Andres Rodriguez

The next big losers in the shipping industry crisis are likely to be ports and terminals, leading to a decline in safety and services.

Yesterday, at TOC Middle East, shippers, analysts and forwarders urged the sector to halt the price race-to-the-bottom across the supply chain, to protect the remaining players.

“The Hanjin episode served as a wake-up call – this is not a sustainable way of doing business,” Alessandro Menezes, associate director, transportation sourcing, at petrochemical shipper Vinmar, told delegates.

“There is a risk factor for ports, with 80% of ...