No change in the ranking of the top five global operators

There is now a difference of only just over 4m teu in Drewry’s assessment of PSA and HPH’s equity teu throughput. DP World and APM Terminals are closely matched in third and fourth spots whilst the COSCO Group’s throughput remains somewhat less than that of the top 4 players.

The big four global operators collectively accounted for 26.5% of world container port throughput, but this was down slightly on the previous year due to the emergence of other large players, both international and local. Notably this included China Shipping Terminal Development which has entered the Drewry league table for the first time with its interests in 15 terminals in China and the US placing it in seventh position. Also of note is the significant volume of Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), topping 12m teu in 2011 and making it the sixth largest global/international terminal operator. Drewry understands that TIL is not a division of MSC, although clearly it has an important relationship with the line.

The league table remains dynamic as merger and acquisition activity continues in the sector. APM Terminals has just taken a significant stake in Russian operator Global Ports Investments (GPI) for example, in a move which sees APMT extend its global footprint and enter a fast growing market. This US$860m deal will positively influence APMT’s ranking next year. Meanwhile speculation continues about the possibility of the terminal portfolios of certain major shipping lines being sold – notably CMA CGM’s Terminal Link.