Multi-Trade vessel sharing agreement between MSC and Maersk Line

Passing of MSC and Maersk

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. announced a 10 year Vessel Sharing Agreement with Maersk Line that will cover the three main East-West trade lanes: Asia-Europe

, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic. It will replace all current VSAs and slot purchase agreements that MSC has with Maersk Line on these trades. This new VSA service co-operation will be known as 2M and will provide approximately 185 vessels operating 21 strings.

“MSC is pleased to have reached this agreement with Maersk Line. It represents another positive step in our continual drive to enhance our operational network in terms of scope, scale, efficiency and reliability. Our customers will be able to enjoy these benefits alongside the world class customer service that has been the cornerstone of our business since our formation in 1970.” says Diego Aponte, MSC Vice President. Mr Aponte continues “The 2M Vessel Sharing Agreement will enable us to achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption, driving down the carbon footprint of our shipping operations. With sustainability a key area of focus for MSC, we’re delighted that this vessel sharing agreement will mean major cuts in emissions while simultaneously enhancing our service to customers.”

Unlike P3, this VSA cooperation agreement will have a smaller combined market share and operate just as a VSA without any separate independent organisation with executive powers managing this network. The VSA includes 185 vessels with an estimated capacity of 2.1 million TEU on 21 strings in the Asia – Europe, Transatlantic (Europe – US East Coast) and Transpacific (Asia – US East & West Coast) trades. Vessels deployed in the VSA will continue to be operated by the two individual lines.