Maersk Line forced to defence 2M alliance

Maersk Line, the world’s largest shipping line, had to defend the competitiveness of its recently approved 2M alliance with Mediterranean Shipping Company at the European Maritime Law Organisation (EMLO) conference in London.

The company’s head of competition compliance Camilla Jain Holtse told the conference that Vessel Sharing Agreements (VSAs) are “pro-competitive”.

She said that VSAs were good for shippers as shipping companies do not have to choose between offering regular but half-empty (and therefore expensive) services and irregular, full and cheap services.