With the advent of Premier Alliance in 2025, there will be new shipping requirements

The structure of the global container shipping industry is poised for a significant shake-up in 2025 as major alliances shift, reshape, and forge new partnerships. A key milestone will occur in February 2025, with the disbanding of the 2M partnership between Maersk and MSC, a collaboration that has defined east-west trades for several years.

Simultaneously, new alliances and vessel-sharing agreements (VSAs) are emerging to fill the void, particularly as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd prepare to form the Gemini Cooperation, leaving THE Alliance to rebrand itself as the Premier Alliance. MSC, the world's largest carrier by fleet capacity, will not only continue as a standalone carrier but will also enter strategic partnerships to solidify its dominant position across global trade lanes.

2M Disbands, Gemini Cooperation Rises

The 2M partnership, comprising MSC and Maersk, is set to conclude in February 2025, marking the end of one of the most significant alliances in container shipping history. With the dissolution of this partnership, Maersk will pivot toward a new alliance with Hapag-Lloyd, branded as the Gemini Cooperation. This new partnership signifies a shift in focus for both carriers as they seek to expand their influence and cooperation on east-west trade routes.

At the same time, the remaining carriers within THE Alliance – Ocean Network Express (ONE), Yang Ming, and HMM – will rebrand themselves as the Premier Alliance. The Premier Alliance has announced a new slot-sharing agreement with MSC that will cover key Asia-Europe services, providing the members with extensive port coverage and operational synergies.

MSC’s Strategic Partnerships

MSC, despite the end of the 2M partnership, continues to assert its dominance. The carrier has unveiled its standalone east-west service network and concluded a new VSA with THE Alliance, encompassing nine Asia-Europe services. As a result, MSC will collaborate with the Premier Alliance on several critical Asia-Europe trade routes while maintaining its independent services on others.

In addition to this, MSC has signed a three-year VSA with ZIM on the transpacific trade. This partnership will see MSC and ZIM share vessels on the Asia-North America east coast trade, bolstering their competitiveness in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Premier Alliance and MSC to Offer Extensive Port Coverage

Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, expressed his excitement about the new strategic partnership with MSC. "Collectively, the Premier Alliance and MSC will be able to offer a very capable and extensive network of end-to-end port services to its customers from February 2025," Nixon said. He emphasized the synergies both parties would bring to the table, which will strengthen the alliance’s operational efficiency and market presence.

The Premier Alliance members have announced their network for 2025, with six Asia-North Europe services. Of these, five services will be operated in cooperation with MSC, ensuring comprehensive coverage of key trade routes. These include:

• FN2/Griffin

• FE3/Condor

• FE4/Silk

• FE5/Lion

• FE6/Swan

The Premier Alliance’s FP1 and IOX services between North Europe and the Middle East/India will remain outside the VSA with MSC, and MSC’s Asia-North Europe Albatross and Britannia services will be operated independently by the Swiss carrier.

On the Asia-Mediterranean trade, MSC and the Premier Alliance will jointly operate:

• MD1/Panther

• MS2/Lynx

• MD3/Tiger

• MD4/Dragon

MSC’s Jade and Phoenix services on the Asia-Mediterranean trade will remain standalone operations, as will the Premier Alliance’s IOM Mediterranean-Middle East/India service.

MSC’s Dual Approach: Suez and Cape of Good Hope

A notable aspect of MSC's 2025 schedule is its dual transit approach for Asia-Europe services. The carrier has published two versions of its Asia-Europe schedules: one routing through the Suez Canal, and another via the Cape of Good Hope. This reflects MSC’s anticipation that the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea may continue into 2025, prompting a flexible approach to its routing strategies.

Transpacific Trade: MSC-ZIM Partnership Expands

The transpacific trade will also witness a significant transformation in 2025 with the MSC-ZIM partnership. The two carriers have signed a three-year VSA agreement covering services between Asia and the North America east and Gulf coasts. The agreement will see MSC's six services in this trade lane – America/Z7S, Emerald/ZXB, Empire/ZNS, Amberjack/ZCP, Lone Star/ZGC, and Pelican/ZSL – operate under the VSA with ZIM.

While ZIM’s two express services between China and California will remain independent, ZIM’s president and CEO, Eli Glickman, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. "This important collaboration reflects ZIM's commitment to both delivering an outstanding shipping solution to its customers and taking continuous proactive steps to enhance efficiencies in our network," Glickman said.

The partnership is part of ZIM’s broader strategy to enhance its competitive position in the Asia-US East Coast trade, further strengthening its service offerings through fleet renewal and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like MSC.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Global Shipping?

The year 2025 will mark a pivotal moment in global container shipping, with alliances evolving, new partnerships forming, and carriers adjusting their networks to adapt to changing market dynamics. The dissolution of the 2M alliance and the rise of the Gemini Cooperation and Premier Alliance signal a new era for the industry, with MSC at the center of many of these transformations.

The introduction of VSAs between MSC, ZIM, and the Premier Alliance will ensure that customers continue to enjoy extensive port coverage and reliable services. Meanwhile, MSC’s flexibility in its Asia-Europe routes, and its standalone services, demonstrate its forward-thinking approach in navigating geopolitical challenges.

As these alliances take shape, shippers and customers alike will need to stay informed of the evolving landscape to make the most of the new opportunities in global trade.