New shipping alliances for 2025

With the dissolution of the 2M partnership between MSC and Maersk in February 2025, new partnerships and slot-sharing agreements are emerging, positioning shipping companies in a transformed global market.

One of the key developments is the formation of the Premier Alliance, which will replace THE Alliance. This new partnership brings together Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming, with MSC also entering into a vessel-sharing agreement (VSA) with the group.

The Premier Alliance will focus on key East-West trade lanes, including Asia-Europe, Asia-North America, and Asia-Mediterranean routes. The agreement will offer customers more direct coverage and frequent sailings, with plans for six Asia-North Europe services, including five in cooperation with MSC.

Now the world’s largest container shipping company, MSC has moved quickly to capitalise on its scale. Following its departure from the 2M alliance with Maersk, MSC will operate largely independently while maintaining slot-sharing agreements with the Premier Alliance and Zim.

MSC will manage 34 loops across five major trade routes, covering Asia-North America, Asia-Europe, the Mediterranean, and the trans-Atlantic. It will offer customers direct port-to-port services, providing over 1,900 direct port pairings through the Suez Canal (when it is accessible) and more than 1,800 via the Cape of Good Hope.

The formation of the Gemini Cooperation, a new alliance between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, adds another layer of competition. Unlike MSC’s direct coverage approach, Gemini Cooperation will focus on a hub-and-spoke service network. This divergence in strategy highlights how alliances are tailoring their operations to meet the specific needs of global trade.

As these alliances come into play, the shipping landscape will continue to evolve. The Premier Alliance and MSC, with their extensive network of direct services, will provide enhanced port coverage and flexibility, while Gemini Cooperation’s hub-based model may appeal to shippers seeking more consolidated routes.

Together, these developments signal a reshaping of global shipping routes, aimed at increasing efficiency and meeting the growing demands of international trade. With direct access to over 80 ports and expanded service options, the new alliances are set to redefine global logistics for the years to come.

We will keep you advised and updated on important developments within the container ocean freight market as they materialise.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Premier Alliance agreement, or would like to discuss the wider implications of the shipping alliance changes, please EMAIL our Chief Commercial Officer, Andy Smith.