News / 'Abandoned' exporters scrambling for space prompt more ad hoc charters

Asian exporters “abandoned” by Maersk are scrambling for deals with rival carriers, inspiring a fresh wave of ad hoc charters to North European ports for next month.

The “strategic transformation” of its ocean business, announced by Maersk earlier this year, has resulted in many smaller forwarders and NVOCCs finding that  after 1 January, the carrier will no longer accept their bookings – other than through the Maersk Spot platform.

But, with short-term freight rates holding at highly elevated levels and demand robust ...