In a bold move that has reshaped the intra-North Europe liner market, Maersk has significantly increased its shipping capacity and market share within just one year, reports Alphaliner.
As most major ocean carriers maintained relatively stable positions in the region, Maersk broke away from the pack, dramatically expanding its footprint and overtaking several competitors.
Maersk leverages Gemini strategy
The intra-North Europe market itself grew moderately over the past year, with total service capacity rising by about 17%, equivalent to approximately 43,000 TEUs. This growth was largely driven by the deployment of larger vessels, pushing the average vessel size from 1,128 TEU to 1,253 TEU. However, Maersk outpaced the average by a wide margin. The company’s capacity surged from just 9,300 TEU to nearly 40,000 TEU, effectively quadrupling its presence. This shift catapulted Maersk from a minor player with a 3.7% market share to the second-largest operator in the region, commanding a 13.5% share, just behind MSC.
This remarkable growth was made possible through Maersk’s strategic implementation of a hub-and-spoke model, developed under the Gemini cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd. As part of this initiative, Maersk introduced six new shuttle services and deployed eight new vessels ranging between 2,400 and 5,900 TEU. These additions not only increased capacity but also enhanced service frequency and regional connectivity, giving the company a competitive edge in a crucial trade segment.
The impact of Maersk’s strategy is substantial. While other carriers maintained steady operations, Maersk’s aggressive expansion brought renewed competition to a market that had seen limited shifts in operator rankings. For shippers, the benefits include improved service reliability, more frequent sailings, and better access to secondary ports through the newly introduced feeder links. For the broader industry, this move signals a potential reshaping of intra-European logistics dynamics.
Maersk’s rise in intra-North Europe exemplifies the power of agile strategy, collaborative ventures, and network optimization. By aligning its growth with its vision of becoming a global integrator of container logistics, the company has positioned itself as a transformative force in regional shipping.
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Source: Alphaliner
