Archives
Freight News, Sea
US gives green light to 2M
[ October 9, 2014 // Chris ]The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has given the green light to the proposed ‘2M’ vessel sharing agreement between Maersk and MSC. However, the agreement of the Chinese competition authorities is still awaited. It was their veto that scuppred the more ambitious P3 alliance between Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM earlier this year. The latter line has meanwhile announced a VSA with UASC and China Shipping.
The FMC concluded, in a majority verdict that the agreement was not likely to reduce competition or increase rates, echoing earlier findings by the European Shippers’ Council.
Earlier, MSC released details of the services it plans to operate in conjunction with its partner Maersk Line in the 2M vessel sharing agreement, subject to regulatory approval.
They include the Silk Service, from South Korea, China and Malaysia to Felixstowe (first European call); the Lion service from China and Malaysia to the north-west Continent and Felixstowe; the Shogun service from Japan, China, Hong Kong and Malaysia to Felixstowe (first Europe call); the Condor service from China and Malaysia to Southampton and Felixstowe.
Eastbound to Asia there are the Albatross service from Felixstowe to Asia, China and Korea; the Lion service from Felixstowe to Salalah, Jebel Ali, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China; and the Condor service from Southampton and Felixstowe (last European call) to China.
On the Transatlantic route, there are the Neuatl2 service from Felixstowe to the US east coast and the Neuatl3 from Felixstowe to the US Gulf. Eastbound Transatlantic services include Neuatl2 from the US east coast to Felixstowe and Neuatl3 from the US Gulf to Felixstowe.