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2M Alliance in cooperation with ZIM on Asia - US East Coast trade

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The 2M Alliance comprising Maersk Line and MSC has entered into a long term cooperation with ZIM Integrated Shipping on the Asia – US East Coast trade.

The agreement starting in early September will see the lines cooperating on five services between Asia and the US East Coast with four loops operated by 2M and one by ZIM with the line swapping slots on all the loops.

The cooperation is subject to regulatory approvals will run for a term of four years, with an option to extend to seven years in total, and will be a big boost for ZIM. It sees ZIM, the world's 10th largest container line with a 1.8% global share of capacity according to Alpahliner cooperating with the world's two largest lines and significantly boosting its presence in a major trade lane.

Read more: Zim adds Kaohsiung to Asia - US East Coast service

“The agreement will significantly improve our services on this important trade, where we remain a major player as part of our strategy,” Eli Glickman, president and ceo of ZIM. "It is a vote of confidence by the two largest players in the industry, acknowledging ZIM’s capabilities, reliability and strength. Furthermore, it will enable ZIM to achieve operational efficiencies and ensure our ability to maintain a leading position on the trade."

He stressed that ZIM would continue to remain independent with the company's customers benefiting from better service links and improved transit times.

For Maersk Line customers the cooperation will add a new direct link between Thailand and the US East Coast.

“We are pleased to enter into this strategic cooperation with ZIM. We will improve our combined product portfolio between Asia and the US East Coast and deliver on our promise to customers while creating the needed operational efficiencies for us to run a sustainable business on the trade also in the future,” said Søren coo of Maersk.

The lines said the expected to announce schedules and network changes as soon as possible.