JAPANESE container carrier Ocean Network Express (ONE) has posted a net
profit of US$105 million for full-year 2019 after post-merger synergies improved its bottom
line.
The Singapore-headquartered
company, a joint venture of Japanese shipping company - NYK, MOL and "K"
Line - reversed a loss of $586
million in 2018 following a 9.1 per cent increase in revenue to $11.9 billion,
as well as further cost cuts.
The shipping company said increased
cost efficiency was one of the main reasons behind linking the three container
lines, and by the end of last year, it had achieved its target of eliminating
more than a million dollars from its combined cost base. Revising variable
costs such as inland transport, terminal procurement and container maintenance
resulted in a $440 million gain with another $310 million gained through
reduced fixed overheads and $300 million saved via network optimisation and
bunker cost savings.
Its volume for the year amounted 12.4 million TEU, reports The
Loadstar, UK.
ONE's financial year runs April
to March and its fourth-quarter liftings - the last three months of 2019 were
modestly robust: on the headhaul, eastbound transpacific trade saw it carry
585,000 TEU and achieve a vessel utilisation rate of 92 per cent, while the
westbound Asia-Europe trade brought 443,000 TEU with 100 per cent vessel
utilisation.
This came despite the initial
effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which ONE said resulted in stagnating volumes
and extra variable costs but mitigated by its already reduced fixed cost and
stable freight rates. This meant its results were in line with forecasts.
However, for the remainder of
year, all bets are effectively off, as lockdowns in across the world's
economies have decimated demand.
ONE
partner MOL said: "Recent
shipments are down by around 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Although ONE has taken
measures to flexibly reduce service frequencies, a further significant decrease
in cargo trade is anticipated, mainly in Europe and the US, due to sluggish
demand."
Source : HKSG / Photo : gCaptain.
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