The container shipping alliance model could gradually fizzle out as alliance members struggle to differentiate their product while competing purely on price, leaving five independent mega-carriers to dominate container shipping in the future. For example, the announcement by Maersk that it intends to become an integrator of container logistics is an indication of how this scenario might play out in the years ahead. The integrated Maersk would have full control of its entire supply chain. Because they have the scale, the mega-shipping lines will not need to be part of any alliance. To run independently will be the only way to differentiate their product. So, one-to-one there is no sharing of resources. The concept of the mega-alliances will change maybe in 10 years.
