Zim Integrated Shipping Services could be in line to join Maersk and MSC’s 2M alliance, together with Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), according to JOC.com.
An unnamed source said: “…although the carriers involved have not confirmed the potential inclusion of a fourth carrier.”
PTI previously reported that HMM could be joining up with 2M in order to lower its debt levels and better cope in a volatile market.
Maersk Line believe that the inclusion of HMM would effectively allow it to provide a stronger product in the trans-Pacific trade.
It is now a question of whether HMM is to join up with 2M or THE Alliance, following reports that THE Alliance back HMM’s entry into its own vessel sharing agreement.
Maersk Line recently stated that it is open to the right opportunity for an acquisition, since the history of strong leadership has been achieved by a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.
The most recent development in terms of mergers and acquisitions involves Hapag-LLoyd and United Arab Shipping Company, who have both recently announced an agreement to merge both companies.