Container shipping is under pressure due to the new coronavirus, with Maersk being hit hardest of the major container lines. According to credit rating agency Moody’s, there have recently been significantly fewer ships arriving in major Chinese ports such as Shanghai.
Asia-Europe, for example, now has less freight traffic by ship, according to the rating agency. This confirms the picture of stagnant supply chains that have been reported for some time.
Largest impact on Maersk
Moody’s points out that the situation is creating additional credit risks for major shipping groups such as Maersk, CMA CGM and Hapag-LLoyd. The impact on Maersk is particularly significant because the Danish conglomerate behind Maersk also has all kinds of port terminals and tugboat activities.
Incidentally, Moody’s has not changed its credit ratings. For the time being, the company is monitoring the situation.
Source: ANP
