Maersk Line may lose its crown as the world’s largest container shipping line within three years as a result of its attempts to limit capacity.

According to new research, published by shipping consultancy Alphaliner, Maresk’s decision not to place orders for new ships until 2015 at the earliest, should be viewed in conjunction with its stated intention to return chartered tonnage to its owners as its Triple-E vessels are delivered over the course of the next two years.

“Maersk’s reluctance to add to its immediate orderbook could see its global capacity share drop from 14.9% to 14% by 2016,” Alphaliner wrote.

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