Ocean carriers could face a short-term funding call of up to $20 billion in 2012 as they are not generating sufficient cash to cover interest payments and meet capital requirements, according to container market analyst Alphaliner.
Most carriers appear to have successfully weathered the market downturn in 2011 but “a number of them continue to struggle under high levels of indebtedness and committed capital expenditure obligations.”
Alphaliner rated A.P. Moller-Maersk, parent of Maersk Line, Evergreen
Marine, Orient Overseas (International), Hapag-Lloyd and China
Shipping Container Line as low-risk, while Cosco, MOL, CMA CGM, NYK,
CSAV and “K” Line are at moderate risk.
Yang Ming, Hyundai Merchant Marine, Hanjin and Zim are rated high-risk.