In the last 6 months, 2 rather major employers have merged (or announced intentions to) - Alaska Tanker Company being bought by OSG and American Steamship Co being taken out by Rand Logistics. In both cases, it appears that the owners (BP and GATX) have decided that they no longer wanted to be in the US shipping business.
They follow Exxon who did the same as few years back. More to follow?