Member lines of THE Alliance have sought to quell doubts over the future of their services ahead of next year’s departure of founding member Hapag-Lloyd.
Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd, South Korea’s HMM, Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport and Japan’s Ocean Network Express (ONE) have pledged “unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust cooperation throughout 2024”.
The statement follows last week’s shock announcement that founding member Hapag-Lloyd will leave the group next year to form a new cooperation with AP Moller-Maersk.
In a joint statement, the German liner and the three remaining Asian operators said THE Alliance’s network has been reconfigured to ensure comprehensive port coverage, as of April 2024.
“One of the key highlights in 2024 will be deploying additional tonnage in several services to ensure the most comprehensive coverage and the most reliable schedule under the existing operational conditions,” they said.
In the Asia-North Europe trade and Transpacific South West trade, THE Alliance will extend its 2023 winter programme until further notice, ensuring that “the highest standards of cooperation and exceptional service are delivered to our stakeholders and the industry at large”.
Lingering questions
The move comes amid questions over the future of THE Alliance from February 2025, when Hapag-Lloyd leaves to form “Gemini Cooperation” with Maersk, which will split from its 2M partner MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company next January.
There is speculation that Hapag-Lloyd’s departure might trigger a round of alliance changes.
Alphaliner argues that the options for the remaining THE Alliance members are quite limited.
The analyst does not rule out the possibility that THE Alliance will continue, boosted by the inclusion of its largest partner, ONE, which accounts for 38.7% of alliance capacity, according to Alphaliner
Together, ONE, HMM and Yang Ming deploy 2.3m teu on THE Alliance services, compared with the new Gemini network at 3.4m teu.
A continuation of the present cooperation with three carriers would significantly weaken THE Alliance’s position on the transatlantic, where HMM is not active, it notes.
On the Asia-North America trade, where ONE currently provides 41.1% of alliance capacity, THE Alliance could continue trading with a reduced number of service loops.
One possibility is that Wan Hai Lines could be invited to join THE Alliance with its fleet of 18 (including under construction) 13,000-teu ships, Alphaliner suggests.
The Taiwanese carrier is currently offering an Asia-US East Coast in cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd.
