In 2025, the global container shipping industry has undergone significant structural changes, impacting the major shipping alliances. These transformations are aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing service reliability, and adapting to rapidly changing market conditions.
What are the major shipping alliances?
February 2025 saw major changes in the shipping alliance landscape. Following this reshuffle, four major shipping alliances dominate the global market.
Gemini Cooperation
Gemini Cooperation is an alliance formed by:
- Maersk of Denmark
- Hapag-Lloyd of Germany.
It focuses on improving on-time delivery, aiming to achieve a 90% on-time rate. The strategy includes reducing the number of port calls and utilizing larger vessels with a capacity of over 20,000 TEU.
Ocean Alliance
Ocean Alliance is an alliance consisting of:
- CMA-CGM of France
- COSCO Group of China
- OOCL of China
- Evergreen of Taiwan.
This alliance plans to maintain its market leadership position by offering a wide range of scheduled connections.
Premier Alliance
Premier Alliance is the new name for the former THE Alliance, which includes:
- Ocean Network Express of Japan (ONE)
- Yang Ming of Taiwan,
- Hyundai Merchant Marine of South Korea (HMM).
Within the alliance, members share vessels, minimizing supply chain disruptions. The alliance offers shipping services between Asia and the United States, the Middle East, and Europe.
MSC Independent Operations
The Italian Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has chosen to be independent and operates outside any alliance, offering a competitive network for moving cargo primarily in the east-west direction.
Key changes in shipowner alliances and their impact on maritime transport
- 2M Alliance dissolution: In January 2025, Maersk and MSC terminated their cooperation within the 2M Alliance, leading to the creation of new alliance structures and a shift in the dynamics of the container shipping market.
- Route and port changes: New alliances are introducing changes to port calls. For example, the Gemini Cooperation has reduced the number of port calls to shorten transit times and lower costs.
- Impact on ports: Alliance strategies have a direct impact on turnover at some ports. For example, the ports of Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven could gain importance thanks to the new Gemini Cooperation routes, while the port of Hamburg could be negatively impacted by these changes.