SIMIC

In a series of bullet points, ONE. the container shipping arm of Japan's big three ocean carriers MOL, NYK, and "K" Line, said:

"Digital solutions, such as the brand-new digital quotation platform "One Quote" have been accelerated.

"The Live Chat function has enabled close communications with customers regarding both container availability and vessel space.

"Operational optimisation included the increase of vessel speed to recover schedule integrity and rescue rolled over cargo.

"Container procurement was maximised with new containers phasing in upon delivery, especially for reefer.

"Full utilisation of ONE's own space by AI technology and the execution of empty sweeper sailings to bring empty containers back to those locations with strong demand.

"ONE worked together with the terminals to enhance early container pick up and return requests to the customers.

"In close cooperation with shipowners, crew changes were enabled by diverting vessels and adding extra port calls."

In another set of terse bullet points, ONE said under the heading of Full Year Forecasts:

"Whilst the current demand is rapidly increasing, the excessive strain on the entire global supply chain triggered by operational restrictions resulting from Covid-19 pandemic still remains.

"The Covid-19 pandemic is expected to ease with the global vaccination roll out. However, the resurgence of Covid-19 continues in some countries and possible variants are still a great cause for concern. It is difficult to predict when the pandemic and its effects.

"Under such circumstances, approximately $6 billion profit after tax would be expected for the FY21 1H at the present moment.

"The economic environment is now changing as the global situation of Covid-19 changes. It is therefore extremely difficult to make a performance forecast and as such ONE's forecasts for FY2021 are yet to be finalised."