In 2014, congestion in the supply chain was front and center in the maritime industry, both domestically and internationally. The Federal Maritime Commission hosted industry forums to encourage stakeholder discussion and identification of promising paths toward sustainable solutions. The evolvement of carrier alliances has played a role in congestion at our nation’s ports.
For 2015, the good news is that the U.S. economy continues to improve, and China’s GDP growth, although slowing, remains relatively strong. The trans-Pacific cargo volumes should continue expanding, and successful completion of the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations in 2015 may allow President Obama and Congress to initiate a promising new trade agenda.
The economic conditions in Europe are less impressive. Consequently, global supply/demand dynamics indicate continued vessel capacity. The Latin American economies, despite advancements in the last decade, remain challenging. Predictions regarding when carriers may achieve a balance between customer demands and new ships tend to center on middle to late 2016.
The carrier alliances involving vessel sharing and operational cooperation are measures the carriers have taken to address greater efficiencies and cost-cutting. In 2015, four major alliances in the U.S. trades — G6, 2M, Ocean Three and CKYHE — will be operational. Mitigating congestion at our gateways will continue to be a major discussion in 2015 as the availability of chassis is a paramount concern.
While 2015 brings improvement in the U.S. economy, it is important to move toward consensus with shippers, carriers, ports, truckers and terminals to address the challenges brought by congestion in the interest of ensuring an efficient and reliable international maritime transportation system. On this note, it is vital for our elected representatives in 2015 to address the required funding as it relates not only to maritime infrastructure, but goods movement overall to mitigate congestion at our nation’s ports.
Mario Cordero, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission