Increased privatisation activity and M&A-led growth strategies will propel leading regional container terminal operators and container shipping lines into the global terminal operator (GTO) rankings next year, according to Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd’s latest Global Container Terminal Operators Annual Review and Forecast.

Hapag-Lloyd AG, Ocean Network Express, Adani Ports and SEZ and AD Ports Group are all set to feature in next year’s league tables, said the consultant. “While the position of the largest global terminal operators at the top of the rankings look secure, the number of companies seeking to invest in the global ports market has increased in recent years. However, with global container port volumes increasing by just 0.5% in 2022, M&A has emerged as the quickest route to build market share.”

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