The introduction of a new shipping alliance and MSC’s evolving role in the Asia-Europe trades is expected to provide broader coverage and enhanced port connectivity, but the reorganisation also signals the increasing complexity of global shipping alliances
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has announced a new slot-sharing agreement with the newly formed Premier Alliance, consisting of Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming Marine Transportation. This collaboration will impact nine Asia-Europe trade services starting in February 2025, following the dissolution of previous alliances and agreements.
The Premier Alliance replaces THE Alliance after Hapag-Lloyd’s departure to form the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk. This move left the remaining Premier members as the smallest group on the critical east-west trade lanes.
To counterbalance this, MSC, the world’s largest container carrier, has stepped in with a slot exchange deal to provide increased capacity and coverage for the Asia-Europe routes. The new arrangement will strengthen the Premier Alliance’s ability to offer more direct port-to-port services and frequent sailings, improving efficiency and service reliability across the region.
While MSC is cooperating with the Premier Alliance, it is also moving towards independent operations on key east-west routes. From February 2025, MSC will manage 34 shipping loops across Asia-North America, Asia-Europe, and the Mediterranean, along with trans-Atlantic routes. This transition marks a significant development in MSC’s strategy, as it takes full control of its network, which includes a substantial fleet expansion over the past few years.
With MSC, Premier, and Gemini Cooperation all vying for dominance in the crucial east-west trade lanes, the reshaped landscape is providing shippers with more choices and potentially greater flexibility.
As the shipping alliances evolve, we will flex our carrier contracts to protect our space and rates into 2025. Our objective remains to consistently deliver cost-effective, resilient and reliable ocean freight solutions on every trade-lane.
Global Forwarding’s dedicated teams in the US and Europe handle ocean shipment, customs brokerage and domestic transport.
For the US EMAIL Adam Davies | For Europe EMAIL Andy Costara.
