What are the chances of a merger between Hanjin and Hyundai?

© Khunaspix Dreamstime.

While merger talks between China’s ailing state-run shipping groups China Cosco and China Shipping Container Lines (CSCL) appear to be making progress today, we expect that similar discussions are inevitably being mooted amongst the highest echelons of South Korean shipping as its Hanjin and Hyundai Merchant Marine lines continues to struggle hugely difficult balance sheet requirements.

Alpahliner today claimed that the two companies’ container divisions had since 2009 suffered cumulative losses of $700m and $500m respectively.

In August, The Loadstar’s Alessandro Pasetti ...