Maersk Line Most Reliable despite Industry-Wide Dip

Maersk Line remains the most reliable carrier in the third quarter of 2014 despite a global schedule industry-wide reliability dip, the latest report on global liner performance by maritime analyst SeaIntel shows.

Maersk Line posted a score of 83.9%, compared to 85.7% in the previous quarter. Schedule reliability among the top 20 global carriers dropped from 75.5% in Q2 to 71.7% in Q3.

Severe congestion issues throughout major hub ports in North Europe, the United States and Asia – particularly Tanjung Pelepas, Hong Kong and Shanghai – are cited as the main reason for the decline.

“We understand that the decline in the ratings is a result of the bottlenecks in the ports,” says Head of Operations Execution Keith Svendsen. “We are pleased that Maersk Line retained its number 1 position. Our ambition remains to maintain industry leadership in schedule reliability.”

For the 10th consecutive quarter, Maersk Line is named best in the Asia – North Europe trade lane with a schedule reliability of 95.5%. In the Asia – Mediterranean network, Maersk Line places second behind CSAV and CMA CGM. Small carriers in the market, on the other hand, dominate the Transpacific EB route.

Maersk Line said that two months prior to the implementation of 2M with MSC, it  was set to deliver a stronger network in the East-West trades for its customers.

The liner added that in order “to safeguard its stronghold on reliability performance” it has, together with MSC, put in place clear parameters.

One of the agreed standards for the new network is to deliver upper quartile Schedule Reliability as measured by SeaIntel, Maersk Line explained.

“The Joint Coordination Committee to be manned by personnel from both Lines will be tasked to implement agreed procedures, monitor the stability of the network as well as liaise with both MSC and Maersk Line on recovery actions for delayed vessels, and recommend improvements in the overall efficiency of the network,” the company noted.

Press Release