Alphaliner predicts container rate ‘turmoil’ on Asia-Europe trades

The Asia-Europe container market could see “rate turmoil” from the beginning of April when the three new alliances of container shipping lines start operating, according to research group Alphaliner.

From 1st April, the three new alliances (2M-HMM/HS, OCEAN and THE Alliance) will provide 17 weekly strings between Asia and North Europe, one more than currently offered by the four existing alliances (2M, G6, CKYE and O3).

Alphaliner says total weekly capacity to North Europe will increase by 9.6 per cent, compared to the services currently offered.

The biggest increases are to come from the 2M carriers whose average capacity on Asia-North Europe will increase by some 20,000 teu per week.