Japan’s three biggest shippers agreed to combine their container operations to create the world’s sixth-largest box carrier, as the industry steps up consolidation this year amid a global turmoil in the sea-cargo business.

SINGAPORE — The global shipping industry is bracing for a key regulatory decision that could mark a milestone in reducing maritime pollution, but which could nearly double fuel costs in a sector already reeling from its worst downturn in decades.

Hanjin Shipping Co. applied for court protection Aug. 31 after failed efforts to secure credit and tide over a cash shortage.

Hanjin Shipping Co., the distressed Korean container mover that filed for court protection Aug. 31, is emerging as a symbol of the slump that has plagued the industry since the global financial crisis.

BRUSSELS — Several container shipping companies have promised to change practices that potentially allowed them to raise the price of global goods transport, the European Commission announced July 7, following an investigation.

The world’s largest ship broker admitted its business has been battered by weak global trade – underlining the crisis engulfing the shipping industry.

Container carriers that belong to the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association trade group and six ports have announced the first united approach to meeting new international freight weight requirements that take effect July 1.

COPENHAGEN — Container shipping firms' annual costs have risen by a total $500 million due to new sulfur emissions regulations that have forced vessels to use higher-cost fuel, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said in a May 19 report.

BEIJING — China will encourage ships flying its flag to take the Northwest Passage via the Arctic Ocean, a route opened up by global warming, to cut travel times between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, a state-run newspaper reported April 20.