Maersk-APMT Moot Financial Master Plan

Maersk Line and APM Terminals (APMT) have entered into a partnership in which the carrier will take over the financial risk at several key ports between the Asian and European East-West Trades, according to Shipping Watch.

Maersk Line said: “This cooperation reflects the strategic importance of these terminals for Maersk Line and covers commercial agreements as well as specific measures to improve efficiency and increase productivity, including placing employees from both companies under one roof as well as IT solutions. These measures have contributed economic advantages for both parties in relation to elements such as operational savings and greater stability in our network.”

Technical Paper: Q&A with Maersk Line

This announcement follows news that APMT would be developing and operating the first automated transhipment terminal at the Tanger-Med 2 port complex in Tangier, Morocco.

The strategy also emphasises an important point recently made by Drewry Maritime Advisors that cooperation is a method that can be used to boost profits.

Mega-ships are causing issues for terminals globally, either through massive peaks, as well as by putting strain on a port’s operations.

Greater collaboration could be an effective way to deal with these issues, since both ports and shipping lines will be aware of the load of a ship, as well as how the containers will need to be unloaded, thereby helping the port to plan in advance.