GLOBAL – MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has signed a deal with the Premier Alliance, consisting of HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE), and Yang Ming.

The partnership, effective from February 2025, will cover Asia to North Europe and Asia to Mediterranean trade routes, according to an official statement from MSC.

This strategic move is set to enhance the shipping capabilities of all parties involved by offering reliable and flexible services across these key global routes.

Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in strengthening the companies’ shared network.

“We are very pleased to announce that our strategic partnership with HMM and Yang Ming in the East-West trades will be further continued. The close network collaboration that exists between the three companies will be further strengthened and enhanced under this new collaboration starting from February 2025,” said Nixon.

The Premier Alliance aims to ensure stronger and more dependable services for its customers, with over 80 direct port calls planned as part of the enhanced network.

This expansion promises to bring wider options to those involved in the Asia-Europe and Transpacific trades.

MSC to operate independently from 2025

In parallel with its collaboration, MSC announced that it will operate independently on the East-West trade routes starting in 2025.

The company will no longer maintain its current 2M VSA agreement with Maersk, instead offering a standalone network. This new venture will provide customers with both Suez Canal and Cape of Good Hope routing options.

MSC’s CEO, Soren Toft, highlighted the benefits of this shift. “We are delighted to reveal our future standalone East/West network for all clients. Customers will benefit from MSC’s unmatched connectivity and direct corridors, coupled with consistent high quality of service,” said Toft.

He further added that MSC’s network will provide more than 1,900 direct port pairs via Suez and over 1,800 through the Cape of Good Hope.

This move represents a significant shift for MSC as it assumes full operational control of its East-West routes, giving clients more flexibility in routing options and service offerings.

Medlog acquisition strengthens UK footprint

In another major development, MSC subsidiary Medlog has completed its acquisition of the U.K.-based logistics operator Maritime Group.

The acquisition, completed on September 2, 2024, is a significant milestone in Maritime’s growth and development plans.

John Williams, Executive Chairman of Maritime, expressed optimism about the deal. “We are really pleased to have secured the long-term future of the business as part of an independent, global logistics organization capable of providing the continued investment to help us with our exciting plans,” said Williams.

Medlog, which specializes in intermodal transportation, is poised to bring new investment and expertise to Maritime, aiding in the further development of its logistics services in the U.K.

With this acquisition, Medlog continues its global expansion, increasing its presence in over 80 countries and further solidifying its position in the logistics industry.

The current management team at Maritime will remain in place, continuing to operate under the Maritime brand with the added support of Medlog’s resources.

These moves signal MSC and its subsidiaries’ ongoing efforts to enhance global logistics and shipping capabilities, paving the way for more efficient and reliable services for their customers worldwide.

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