The 2M Alliance partners Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will be joined by Israeli ocean carrier ZIM, currently the tenth largest shipping line in the world, in a new strategic cooperation.
The two largest ocean carriers have invited ZIM on board to improve services for shippers moving between Asia and the US East Coast (USEC), and will share vessels to manage capacity, meet customer demand, and maintain flexibility.
Currently, 2M operate a combined five loops on this trade route, while ZIM operates two.
In September 2018, the three carriers will operate a combined five loops, with 2M managing four and ZIM operating the other.
Southeast Asian exporters are set to benefit from a new direct service between Laem Chabang, Thailand and USEC ports as far as New York.
The service will also call at Colombo in Sri Lanka, connecting the route with nearby India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Dr Leonard Heilig and Prof Stefan Voß discuss how to boost the supply chain through collaboration and interconnectivity in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Diego Aponte, President and CEO of MSC Group, commented: “MSC is pleased to welcome ZIM into this strategic cooperation.
“The new arrangements will help ensure a high level of service for shippers on all routes between Asia and the U.S. East Coast.”
Eli Glickman, President and CEO of ZIM, also made a statement: “We are pleased to enter into this strategic operational cooperation with the 2M Alliance.
“The agreement will significantly improve our services on this important trade, where we remain a major player as part of our strategy.
“It is a vote of confidence by the two largest players in the industry, acknowledging ZIM’s capabilities, reliability and strength.
“Furthermore, it will enable ZIM to achieve operational efficiencies and ensure our ability to maintain a leading position on the trade.”
The cooperation is planned to continue for the current term of the 2M Alliance, which was formed in April 2017 to share vessels and deal with overcapacity.
