The global container shipping industry is undergoing a major shakeup in 2025, with new alliances forming and existing partnerships dissolving. These changes will impact global trade routes, service offerings, and competition across the industry.
2M Alliance Dissolution
The 2M Alliance, a partnership between Maersk and MSC, will officially dissolve in January 2025. MSC, the largest container shipping line, plans to operate independently, launching a robust East-West network with 34 loops covering key routes such as Asia-Europe and Trans-Pacific. Meanwhile, Maersk has joined forces with Hapag-Lloyd to form the Gemini Cooperation, focusing on efficient and reliable shipping services.
Gemini Cooperation
Launching in February 2025, Gemini Cooperation brings together Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. This new partnership will deploy a fleet of approximately 290 vessels with a combined capacity of 3.4 million TEUs. The alliance aims to improve schedule reliability (targeting over 90%) and streamline port calls, ensuring efficient global trade operations.
Premier Alliance Formation
Simultaneously, the Premier Alliance will emerge from the restructuring of THE Alliance. Key members—Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming—will focus on Asia-Europe, Trans-Pacific, and Asia-Middle East trade lanes. This new alliance seeks to enhance frequency and capacity utilization while maintaining competitive offerings.
Ocean Alliance Stability
While other alliances are seeing dramatic changes, the Ocean Alliance—comprising CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen, and OOCL—remains unchanged. This stability positions Ocean Alliance as a reliable option for shippers, ensuring consistency in service across key global routes. The alliance continues to focus on sustainability, decarbonization, and leveraging advanced technologies to maintain its competitive edge.
Implications for Global Trade
The restructuring of shipping alliances will reshape transit times, service reliability, and competitive dynamics in the industry. The focus on sustainability is a recurring theme, with alliances adopting green shipping corridors and dual-fuel vessels to comply with environmental regulations.
For businesses relying on global shipping, these changes highlight the need to monitor and adapt to the evolving landscape, ensuring their supply chains remain agile and competitive.