Maersk Line, the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and CMA CGM, have agreed to establish a long-term operational alliance on East – West trade called the P3 Network.— VNS Photo

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) – Maersk Line, the MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and CMA CGM, have agreed to establish a long-term operational alliance on East – West trade called the P3 Network.

The aim is to improve and optimise operations and service offerings.

The P3 Network will serve three trade lanes: Asia – Europe, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic.

The P3 Network vessels will take part in a joint vessel-operating centre. But the three lines will continue to have fully independent sales, marketing and customer service functions.

Each of the lines will offer more weekly sailings in their combined network than they now do individually.

For example, the P3 Network plans to offer eight weekly sailings between Asia and Northern Europe. In addition, it will offer more direct ports of call.

The improved network is expected to reduce the disruptions for customers caused by cancelled sailings.

The lines intend to start operation in the second quarter of 2014, but the starting date will be subject to approval from authorities. Signing of the contracts is planned for the fourth quarter of this year.

The P3 Network will be based on the existing capacities of each member, and initially have a capacity of 2.6 million TEU (255 vessels).

Maersk Line will contribute approximately 42 per cent of the capacity (including the new Triple-E ships), of about 1.1 million TEU. It will continue to offer the Daily Maersk product to customers requesting it.

MSC will contribute about 34 per cent of the capacity, of about 0.9 million TEU.

CMA CGM will contribute about 24 per cent of the capacity equaling 0.6 million TEU.

All vessels used in the network will continue to be owned or chartered by the lines. –VNS