The Premier Alliance Agreement will take effect on February 9, 2025, enabling HMM Co., Ltd., Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd., and Yang Ming Joint Service Agreement to share vessels on routes between the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Initially filed on October 28, 2024, the agreement underwent a review process by the Federal Maritime Commission. On November 5, 2024, the Commission issued Requests for Additional Information (RFAI) to assess the competitive effects of the agreement.
This included a 15-day public comment period, during which two industry trade associations submitted feedback. The Commission deemed the provided information responsive on December 26, 2024, and per legal provisions, had 45 days to complete its review before the agreement took effect.
Alliance agreements are closely monitored by the Commission, which investigates potential violations of the Shipping Act (46 U.S.C. § 40101 et seq.) and related regulations. The Commission welcomes any reports of misconduct by companies involved in such agreements.
To remind, on February 1, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd launched their operational collaboration Gemini Cooperation with the ambition to deliver a ocean network with schedule reliability above 90% once fully phased in.
