Danish shipowner Maersk has cut around 1,000 jobs in corporate functions (administrative and support structures). The decision is presented as part of an effort to contain costs, at a time when the sector is once again feeling the pressure of lower freight rates and excessive capacity in maritime container transport.
The announcement of the layoffs focuses on “white collars” and headquarters functions, being described as an adjustment to make the organization lighter. The context matters: On the one hand, new ships continue to enter the market; on the other, a possible normalization of Red Sea routes will reduce transit times and, in practice, free up additional capacity, increasing competition and pressure on freight.
