Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and ZIM announced a new strategic cooperation on the Asia – US East Coast trade. As of September 2018, Maersk and MSC will provide four of their operated loops to a combined operation of five loops with ZIM between Asia end the US East Coast.
Currently Maersk and MSC operate five loops, with ZIM operating two. Until September 2018, Maersk and MSC will contribute four of their loops to a combined operation of five loops with ZIM between Asia end the US East Coast. ZIM will operate one loop. The parties will change slots on all five loops of the new cooperation.
For Maersk , the cooperation will generate cost efficiencies and will include a new direct product from the US East Coast into Thailand.
Søren Toft, Chief Operating Officer, Maersk Line, stated:
We are pleased to enter into this strategic cooperation with ZIM. We will improve our combined product portfolio between Asia and the US East Coast and deliver on our promise to customers while creating the needed operational efficiencies for us to run a sustainable business on the trade also in the future.
The cooperation will start in early September 2018, as it is subject to regulatory approval. The initial term of the cooperation is four years with an option to extend it to seven.
The companies will announce more information on network changes and schedules on the trade in the near future.
