US Regulator Approves Premier Alliance
The Premier Alliance Agreement between HMM, ONE and Yang Ming has been approved by the FMC, replacing THE Alliance from February 2025. This marks a major change in the global container shipping structure.
The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has announced that the Premier Alliance Agreement will take effect from February 9, 2025. This is a new vessel sharing agreement, replacing THE Alliance, thereby establishing a new cooperative structure in the global container shipping industry.
The Premier Alliance Agreement was established by Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Yang Ming. This agreement allows the above shipping lines to share vessels on important trade routes connecting the United States, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Key service lanes include:
- Asia – West Coast North America
- Asia – East Coast North America
- Asia – Mediterranean
- Asia – Northern Europe
- Asia – Middle East
The agreement was submitted to the FMC on 28 October 2024, but approval was delayed as the FMC requested additional information by 5 November 2024. With FMC approval, Premier Alliance will reshape competition on key trade lanes.
Shifts in Container Shipping Alliances
The establishment of Premier Alliance comes amid major changes in the container shipping industry in terms of alliance structure. Notably, former THE Alliance member Hapag-Lloyd did not participate in the new agreement, instead joining forces with Maersk in Gemini Cooperation.
Meanwhile, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has chosen a different path, operating its own independent East-West network from February 2025. This comes after MSC ended its 2M Vessel Sharing Agreement with Maersk, which has been in place since 2015. MSC’s new network will include 34 services, connecting key trade areas such as Asia, Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the East and West Coasts of North America, as well as the transatlantic route.
In addition, MSC has also established slot exchange agreements, including cooperation with Premier Alliance on 9 services between Asia and Europe.
See more:
- HMM Reports Record 3.5 Trillion Won Profit on Rising Freight Rates
- Shifting Market Shares of Carrier Alliances on Asia-North America Trade in 2025
- Tan Cang - Cai Mep International Terminal (TCIT) welcomes the first vessel of ZSL/PELICAN service by ZIM and MSC
- International shipping and logistics market update - Week 6/2025
- Maersk forecasts container volume growth but profit decline in 2025
- Hapag-Lloyd Announces Positive 2024 Results
- Big changes in container shipping alliances in 2025
- Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd launch “Gemini” cooperation
Source: Phaata.com (According to Trans.info)
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