Last week, global container liners unveiled their schedules for the main east-west trades set to take effect in February next year. The announcements follow the expiration of previous agreements, making way for new alliances and networks.
One of the most notable developments is that Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world’s largest container line, will not be entirely independent as originally anticipated. Over the past few years, MSC has been preparing for the end of its 2M partnership with Maersk, embarking on a significant fleet expansion. Last year, MSC surpassed 5 million TEU, reached 6 million in July, and is on track to hit 7 million by early 2026.
Despite its growth strategy for a standalone global liner network, recent announcements reveal that MSC has engaged with several peers on key trade lanes. The company has fixed a three-year agreement with Israeli carrier ZIM, understood by Danish consultancy Sea-Intelligence to be a slot-sharing deal for voyages between Asia and the US east coast.
Moreover, the new Premier Alliance, consisting of Asian carriers Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming, will charter slots from MSC on services from Asia to Europe.
Sea-Intelligence analysis shows that MSC’s standalone services will rise from 48% to 61% next February, while slot-sharing agreements will increase from 10% to 26%. Vessel-sharing agreements will remain at 13%.
Read More: MSC to Launch Standalone East/West Network From February 2025