Maersk containers

Global shipping company Maersk today (19 September) confirmed plans to integrate separate logistics unit Damco into Maersk Line.

The new structure will become effective on 1 January 2019, from which time the services offered by Maersk Line and Damco will be sold as Maersk products and services.

In the statement, Maersk Group CEO Søren Skou said: 'Today we are taking further steps in the transformation of our business on a structural level and how we go to market, enabling us to offer more solutions to our customers in a simpler way.'

The integrated commercial organisation will operate with one management team, one sales force, a strong product organisation and one customer experience organisation, headed by Vincent Clerc, chief commercial office of Maersk, the firm said.

Meanwhile, Klaus Rud Sejling, Damco CEO, will take on a new position as head of Maerk's logistics and services products, reporting to Clerc.

The integration of the two business units could result in layoffs, Maersk toldShipping Watch.

In a comment sent to the publication, Maersk is reported to have said: “In the process of merging we will, however, come across areas where we have two people for one role and here we might end up having to let colleagues go.'