Due to delays caused by CMA CGM adjusting its services, the proposed ‘Ocean Three’ (O3) alliance has been put back until early 2015.
The alliance was proposed in September 2014 and consists of China Shipping Container Lines, United Arab Shipping Co (UASC) and CMA CGM Group.
Lloyds Loading List reported United Arab Shipping Co President and CEO Jorn Hinge as saying that the alliance was hoping to launch in the third week of January, 2015.
CMA CGM is currently trying to separate itself from other joint-services which are operating along the east-west trade routes.
UASC and China Shipping Container Lines are awaiting clearance of O3 and for CMA CGM to clear its schedule and be free to operate alongside them.
The alliance has already been approved by the Federal Maritime Commission in Washington, barring a detailed review, yet is awaiting final and crucial affirmation from China.
In total, the alliance will include 17 weekly loops, 159 ships with a combined TEU capacity of 1.5 million, and will call at 91 ports globally.
Ocean Three Set for 2015 Launch. (Source: CMA CGM Marcopolo)
