Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has unveiled a standalone network that will replace the current 2M vessel sharing agreement that MSC has with Maersk on East/West trades.

As from February 2025, MSC will provide an independent network for East/West trades including:

• 5 trades with 34 loops incorporating 7 loops for Asia North Europe, 6 loops for Asia Mediterranean, 4 loops for Asia North America West Coast, 6 loops for Asia North America East Coast and 11 loops for the Transatlantic Network
• Optionality of weekly services via Suez with more than 1,900 direct port pairs or the Cape of Good Hope with more than 1,800 direct port pairs

The standalone network has been facilitated by MSC’s relentless investment in fleet expansion over the past couple of years. According to Alphaliner, MSC has added around 400,000 TEU to its fleet so far this year. As a result, the Geneva-based carrier’s share of the operated fleet rose to 19.8% at the end of July, marking the highest-ever figure recorded by a carrier.

MSC has also entered into slot agreements with Premier Alliance (HMM, ONE, and Yang Ming) in the Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean trade lanes. The deal basically solves the issue of providing a comprehensive Asia-Europe network after Hapag-Lloyd’s departure from THE Alliance.

Read also: Gemini Cooperation takes effect

Furthermore, MSC has strengthened operational cooperation with ZIM on the Asia – US East Coast and Asia – US Gulf trades. The three-year agreement between ZIM and MSC includes slot swap and vessel-sharing agreements. The cooperation scope includes six services with extensive connection between Asia to the US East Coast, West Coast of Mexico, Caribbean ports and US Gulf ports. The new services are scheduled to be launched in February 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and filings.

“With the addition of select slot swap agreements we will provide complete coverage across all East/West routes. Furthermore, as we assume full operational control of our network, we can today offer clients both Suez and Cape of Good Hope routing options. This announcement represents an important milestone in the evolution of our global network and the vision of MSC’s founding family,” Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, said.

MSC said that the 2025 East/West network and its options will not impact the tonnage or deployment for any other routes provided by MSC globally.

Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said the collaboration was the direct outcome of the company’s fleet renewal programme which has enhanced ZIM’s competitive position, particularly on the Asia to US East Coast trade.

“We are pleased to, once again, join forces with MSC, an industry leader and ZIM’s long-standing trusted partner, to augment our network while upholding our customer-centric approach and commitment to the highest levels of service. Consistent with ZIM’s focus on decarbonisation, this partnership will promote greater utilisation of larger and more eco-friendly tonnage, including our LNG-powered vessels,” he added.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has unveiled a standalone network that will replace the current 2M vessel sharing agreement that MSC has with Maersk on East/West trades.

As from February 2025, MSC will provide an independent network for East/West trades including:

• 5 trades with 34 loops incorporating 7 loops for Asia North Europe, 6 loops for Asia Mediterranean, 4 loops for Asia North America West Coast, 6 loops for Asia North America East Coast and 11 loops for the Transatlantic Network
• Optionality of weekly services via Suez with more than 1,900 direct port pairs or the Cape of Good Hope with more than 1,800 direct port pairs

The standalone network has been facilitated by MSC’s relentless investment in fleet expansion over the past couple of years. According to Alphaliner, MSC has added around 400,000 TEU to its fleet so far this year. As a result, the Geneva-based carrier’s share of the operated fleet rose to 19.8% at the end of July, marking the highest-ever figure recorded by a carrier.

MSC has also entered into slot agreements with Premier Alliance (HMM, ONE, and Yang Ming) in the Asia-North Europe and Mediterranean trade lanes. The deal basically solves the issue of providing a comprehensive Asia-Europe network after Hapag-Lloyd’s departure from THE Alliance.

Read also: Gemini Cooperation takes effect

Furthermore, MSC has strengthened operational cooperation with ZIM on the Asia – US East Coast and Asia – US Gulf trades. The three-year agreement between ZIM and MSC includes slot swap and vessel-sharing agreements. The cooperation scope includes six services with extensive connection between Asia to the US East Coast, West Coast of Mexico, Caribbean ports and US Gulf ports. The new services are scheduled to be launched in February 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and filings.

“With the addition of select slot swap agreements we will provide complete coverage across all East/West routes. Furthermore, as we assume full operational control of our network, we can today offer clients both Suez and Cape of Good Hope routing options. This announcement represents an important milestone in the evolution of our global network and the vision of MSC’s founding family,” Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, said.

MSC said that the 2025 East/West network and its options will not impact the tonnage or deployment for any other routes provided by MSC globally.

Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said the collaboration was the direct outcome of the company’s fleet renewal programme which has enhanced ZIM’s competitive position, particularly on the Asia to US East Coast trade.

“We are pleased to, once again, join forces with MSC, an industry leader and ZIM’s long-standing trusted partner, to augment our network while upholding our customer-centric approach and commitment to the highest levels of service. Consistent with ZIM’s focus on decarbonisation, this partnership will promote greater utilisation of larger and more eco-friendly tonnage, including our LNG-powered vessels,” he added.