Global terminal operators (GTOs) have experienced a drop of 0.8% in equity-adjusted volumes, while port handling decreased by 1.2% across the globe because of the Covid crisis, Drewry’s latest Global Container Terminal Operators Annual Review and Forecast has revealed.
Looking back at last year’s coronavirus outbreak and its impact on world ports, the maritime research consultancy said the 21 GTOs it was aware of now handled over 49% of the global port volumes on an equity-adjusted basis, up from 45.6% in 2015.
“China Merchants Ports moved up to second place in the Drewry rankings in 2020, following a 13.4% increase in equity-adjusted volumes.
“Volume growth was derived from the company’s shareholdings in other operators - Terminal Link, the CMA CGM/China Merchants JV acquired eight terminals at end of 1Q20 from CMA Terminals, which provided a major boost, together with an increased contribution from Liaoning Port Group and Ningbo Zhoushan Port Company,” Drewry said.