Alliance of the ‘Big 3’

In principle the three lines have agreed to establish a long-term alliance, to be called ‘P3’, to improve operations and the service offered to customers on the three East – West trades: Asia – Europe, Trans-Pacific and Trans-Atlantic.

While retaining their independence in terms of sales, marketing and customer service, the alliance will initially provide a capacity of 2.6m teu, with 255 vessels operating on 29 loops.  Each line will operate its own vessels independently through a joint-operating centre.

In a statement, Maersk said that the establishment of the P3 network would provide customers with “more stable, frequent and flexible services”.