2M Alliance and ZIM extend strategic cooperation

ZIM and the members of the 2M Alliance, Maersk and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, yesterday announced a second strategic cooperation agreement following the agreement announced in July 2018 in the Asia-US East Coast trade.

The new strategic operational agreement, which will be a combination of Vessel Sharing, Slot exchange and purchase, covers two additional trades: Asia – East Mediterranean and Asia – American Pacific Northwest. In each trade, two strings will be operated in cooperation, as follows:

Asia – East Mediterranean:

Sirius Line (ZAS)

Xingang – Dalian – Pusan – Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Singapore – Port Said East – Haifa – Port-Said East – Singapore – Xingang

Spica Line (ZMS)

Pusan – Shanghai – Ningbo – Shekou – Singapore – Port Said East – Yarimca – Istanbul – Asyaport – Piraeus – Singapore – Shekou – Pusan

Asia – Pacific Northwest:

ZIM Pacific Pollux (ZP9)

Kaohsiung – Xiamen – Yantian – Ningbo – Shanghai – Busan – Vancouver – Seattle –  Yokohama – Busan – Kaohsiung

ZIM Pacific Procyon (ZP8)

Xingang – Qingdao – Shanghai – Busan – Yokohama – Prince Rupert – Xingang

The new structure offers 4 dedicated lines with extensive port coverage and premium service levels. The new services are due to start from Asia in March, subject to FMC and other regulatory approvals.

To supplement and complement its services in the East Mediterranean, ZIM will introduce a new array of exclusive, ZIM-operated feeder lines synchronized with the mainliners and catering to the regional market in a comprehensive and efficient way. A full, detailed announcement regarding the new regional network will be issued separately.

www.maersk.com; www.msc.com; www.zim.com