The Premier Alliance consists of Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Ocean Network Express (ONE), and Yang Ming. The agreement allows these carriers to share vessels on trade lanes covering the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The cooperation will operate mainline services across major East-West routes, including:
- Asia – North America West Coast
- Asia – North America East Coast
- Asia – Mediterranean
- Asia – North Europe
- Asia – Middle East
The agreement was initially filed with the FMC on October 28, 2024. However, its implementation was delayed after the commission requested further information on November 5.
With the FMC now granting approval, the Premier Alliance is set to reshape competition on key trade lanes.
Changing alliances in container shipping
The formation of the Premier Alliance follows broader changes in the container shipping sector. Notably, THE Alliance’s former member, Hapag-Lloyd, has opted out of the new arrangement and instead joined the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk.
Meanwhile, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has taken a different approach, launching a standalone East-West network starting in February 2025. This follows the conclusion of its 2M Vessel Sharing Agreement with Maersk, which had been in place since 2015. MSC’s new network will operate 34 service loops covering key trade lanes between Asia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, North America’s West and East Coasts, and the Transatlantic. The company has also entered into slot exchange agreements, including a collaboration with the Premier Alliance covering nine services between Asia and Europe.