The acquisition of OOCL has contributed so much business to Cosco that the major Chinese shipping group is now very close to taking over the top spot as the world's second-largest port and terminal company.

This is evident from the latest analysis of the biggest shipping groups in the global container industry put together by maritime and supply chain consultancy Drewry. The analysis outlines the new scenario of dominant owners and operators, while also presenting a projection of how the market could develop in the coming years.