Maersk Line, MSC Team Up with ZIM
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services and the members of the 2M Alliance, Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), announced a new strategic cooperation on the Asia – U.S. East Coast trade.
Maersk Zim MSC: Currently Maersk Line and MSC operate five loops and ZIM operates two loops on the trade.
As of early September 2018, Maersk and MSC will contribute four of their operated loops to a combined operation of five.
Under the deal, the parties intend to swap slots on all five loops of the new cooperation.
Eli Glickman, President and CEO of ZIM, said, “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.
Danish ocean carrier said the cooperation would bring cost efficiencies and pave way for an improved product on the Asia – USEC trade, including a new direct product from the US East Coast into Thailand.
MSC expects that the new arrangements will result in economies of scale and efficiencies, helping the carriers to navigate tough prevailing business conditions.
The cooperation is scheduled to begin in early September 2018, subject to all needed regulatory approvals. The term of the cooperation is seven years. The parties expect to disclose more information about network changes and schedules on the trade as soon as possible.
