The members Hapag-Lloyd, K Line, MOL, NYK and Yang Ming said in a joint statement that the comprehensive network of 31 services would connect more than 75 major ports throughout Asia, North Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, Canada, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Indian Sub Continent and the Middle East.
THE Alliance plans to deploy a fleet of more than 240 modern ships in the Asia/Europe, North Atlantic and transpacific trade lanes including the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf/Red Sea.
“The product of THE Alliance is a milestone which will significantly improve the service offering for all shippers on the East West trade lanes. Our best ship for the loop principle and dedicated shuttle service design are the basis for one of the most competitive products available in the market,” the joint statement said.
The product of THE Alliance will feature eight services in the Asia/Europe trade including three services covering the Mediterranean market.
One dedicated service will cater for customers in the Middle East, connecting the key ports of China, South Korea and South East Asia with Dammam, Jubail and an Arabian Gulf hub port.
Sixteen joint services will be operated by THE Alliance members on the transpacific trade.
Six loops will serve the North Atlantic trade covering a wide range of North European and Mediterranean ports as well as those in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Among the members of THE Alliance, the three Japanese groups of K Line, MOL and NYK, have announced their intention to merge their container shipping business with the establishment of a joint venture by 1 July 2017.
Separately, Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd has also merged with UAE’s United Arab Shipping Company (UASC).
Last week, another carrier partnership Ocean Alliance unveiled their planned services and operations also starting from April 2017. The Ocean Alliance groups together Cosco Container Lines, CMA CGM, Evergreen Line and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL).
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