Container carriers in the slowing US import and export trades are exercising increased discipline, maintaining capacity levels rather than introducing new vessels in an attempt to secure a larger share of the market.

The merged container operations of Japan's three largest ocean carriers got off to a dismal start as it launched operations in April 2018, which helped drag down revenue.

The ocean carrier — which launched in April and comprises “K” Line, MOL, and NYK Line — said in its half-year earnings report that it collectively expects to lose $310 million in the first half of the year, on revenue of $5.03 billion.

Having filled staff shortages at its US call centers and improved data integrity, the new Japanese liner company Ocean Network Express is providing beneficial cargo owners with the level of service they rightfully demand, but CEO Jeremy Nixon said carriers will struggle to implement meaningful peak-season surcharges this fall.

By partnering with digital marketplace NEXT Trucking, MOL Consolidation Services looks to link Asian vendors with scarce US truck capacity.

The last piece of the regulatory puzzle has fallen into place for Ocean Network Express, clearing the way for its global April 1 launch.

The landside ability of the supply chain to handle volume generated by mega-ships must improve before carriers can achieve the lower unit costs their deployment promises.

The new investment brings its total venture capital funding to $13 million.

NYK's head of container shipping Jeremy Nixon will lead the new Japanese carrier ONE.

Jacksonville needs to deepen its harbor in order to regularly handle the larger ships from Asia able to traverse the Panama Canal’s new locks.

The decision comes just days before the new joint venture Ocean Network Express was expected to be formed.

According to analysts, low freight demand, overcapacity, and the consequent tightening of profit margins has placed shipbuilding on a sort of hiatus, but it won't last.

The Japanese lines may as well fast track their merger following the voting down of their proposed agreement by the FMC on jurisdictional grounds, as the new line is unlikely to be blocked.

The next 12 months will be good for Japan's top three carriers that are predicting a profitable 2017/18 financial year.

More industry consolidation can be expected before the market finds a healthy balance in supply and demand.

Jeremy Nixon presented an update to the TPM 2017 conference on the merger of the container divisions of 'K' Line, MOL, and NYK Line.

The anticipation of record losses underscores the necessity of Japan's leading container lines’ plan to merge.