Hot on the heels of rival OCEAN Alliance announcing its service network for next April, another container grouping THE Alliance has today unveiled its plans for 2017.
THE Alliance, comprising NYK, MOL, K Line, Hapag Lloyd, UASC and Yang Ming will launch on April 1 and will contain 31 services on the main east-west tradelanes on 240 ships covering more than 75 ports.
In a release the parties involved described THE Alliance as “the most integrated liner shipping consortia”. Compared to rivals OCEAN Alliance and 2M, it is also the smallest in teu terms.
“The product of THE Alliance is a milestone which will significantly improve the service offering for all shippers on the East West trade lanes,” said the member carriers in a statement.
“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 member lines added.
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. 16 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.
