In order to continually improve its services between Asia and the East Coast of South America (ECSA), MSC has announced that it has entered into a new vessel sharing agreement (VSA) with Maersk Line and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). Under the VSA, 22 vessels will operate on two new loops.
PTI previously reported that 2M, consisting of Maersk Line and MSC, had announced that it would be using Malta Freeport Terminals as its main transhipment hub in the Mediterranean, along with its O3 competitors.
A graphic showing the first loop. (Source: MSC)
Transit times and final commercial schedules are to be communicated once all berthing arrangements are finalised with the terminals.
The new VSA kicks off with the first vessel departure from the Far East during the first week of July, 2015.
An image detailing its second loop (Source: MSC)
It replaces all other VSAs in place on this route, which will expire at the end of June, 2015.
Drewry Shipping Consultants previously said that 2M is anticipated to have the edge over competition in 2015, with these new mega-alliances helping to balance shipping networks and provide wide port coverage.
