OOCL to operate independently following COSCO takeover

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) will continue to operate independently upon closing of the US$6.3bn acquisition by COSCO Shipping, which will make the Chinese carrier the world’s third largest shipping line.

An online Q&A posted on COSCO’s website pointed out that the pair of carriers will maintain existing operational models and management channels while operating independently under the dual-brand strategy and seeking for synergy.

Regarding pricing, it noted: “Based on adequate daily communications, both liners will make their own decisions on freight rates independently based on their own business strategy/policy and characteristics of their respective service products, and maintain their own pricing and approval systems respectively.”