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MSC to end 2M alliance with Maersk and launch standalone East-West network in 2025

Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced plans to introduce a new standalone East-West network, starting in February 2025. This decision follows the conclusion of its 2M Vessel Sharing Agreement with Maersk, which has been in place since 2015.

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The new network will cover five trades with 34 service loops, including routes between Asia and Northern Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean, Asia and North America’s West and East Coasts, as well as the Transatlantic network. MSC will provide routing options via both the Suez Canal and the Cape of Good Hope, offering weekly services with over 1,900 direct port pairs through the Suez route and more than 1,800 direct port pairs via the Cape of Good Hope.

Soren Toft, CEO of MSC, described the development as a significant step for the company’s operations:

“Customers will benefit from MSC’s unmatched connectivity and direct corridors,” Toft stated.

He added that the new network will allow MSC to offer both Suez and Cape of Good Hope routing options, while maintaining operational control over its services.

As reported by Maritime Executive, MSC’s announcement comes amid broader adjustments within the container shipping sector. In addition to ending the 2M Alliance, the company has been expanding its capacity through fleet acquisitions and new ship builds. MSC’s fleet now comprises over 850 vessels, with a total capacity exceeding six million TEUs.

In addition to its standalone network, MSC has entered into slot exchange agreements with other shipping lines. For example, MSC will collaborate with the newly rebranded Premier Alliance, which includes Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming, covering nine services between Asia and Europe. MSC has also formed an agreement with Zim for trades between Asia and the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. 

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