2M Alliance May Be Set For An Early Break Up

While the much publicised break up of the 2M Alliance is currently set for 2025, it seems that Maersk and MSC have started to deploy vessels independently on some service loops.

Recently, there has been a gradual move to leave one ship operator per loop, which has led to speculation that the world's two biggest carriers may be looking to end their vessel sharing alliance earlier than originally announced.

Both carriers have set out their intentions to not rely on alliance partners and to operate individually within their own networks when the 2M Alliance disbands.

However, the 2025 target may have been accelerated by the recent EU announcement to not renew CBER next April, which is the existing regulation that enables carriers to operate within the EU in alliances.

On the Asia-Europe trade, Maersk are now listed as the sole vessel provider for the AE5/Albatross, AE10/Silk and AE7/Condor loops, whereby MSC are indicated as the vessel operator on the AE55/Griffin and AE6/Lion services, along with its own Swan loop.

Whether the 2M Alliance splits early or not, it seems likely we will witness some form of carrier shake up during the coming months as new ships continue to flood the market despite demand remaining low.

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