Major Changes in Container Shipping Alliances in 2025: Impact and Adaptation Strategies
1. Overview of Container Shipping Alliance Changes in 2025
The year 2025 marks a major restructuring in the global container shipping industry with the formation of new alliances and operational strategy shifts. Two significant new alliances are Premier Alliance and Gemini Cooperation, alongside the ongoing expansion of Ocean Alliance.
These changes could significantly impact supply chains and logistics strategies for import-export businesses. Keeping up with updates and adjusting transport plans will help businesses optimize costs and maintain competitiveness.
2. Premier Alliance: The New Coalition of ONE, Yang Ming, and HMM
Following Hapag-Lloyd’s departure from THE Alliance, ONE, Yang Ming, and HMM have restructured and formed Premier Alliance. This alliance focuses on major East-West shipping routes, with over 240 vessels, a total capacity of 1.9 million TEUs, serving 165 routes across 120 countries.
Key Features of Premier Alliance:
- Ownership stakes in key ports such as TraPac (Los Angeles, Oakland), Yusen Terminals (Los Angeles), Rotterdam World Gateway (Netherlands), and Magenta Singapore Terminal.
- Expansion of three Asia - North Pacific routes and five Asia - US East Coast routes starting February 2025.
- Awaiting approval from the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
3. Gemini Cooperation: Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s "Hub-and-Spoke" Model
After ending the 2M Alliance with MSC, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd formed Gemini Cooperation to enhance schedule reliability to 90%, surpassing the industry average of 50%.
Features of Gemini Cooperation:
- Operates under a "hub-and-spoke" model, similar to the aviation industry.
- 29 main routes and various regional feeder services.
- Connects Asia - US West and East Coasts and Transatlantic routes.
- Routes avoiding the Red Sea, continuing to use the Cape of Good Hope for security reasons.
The formation of Gemini Cooperation could intensify competition with MSC, potentially leading to lower freight rates.
4. Ocean Alliance Extends Partnership Until 2032
The Ocean Alliance, consisting of CMA CGM, Evergreen, COSCO Shipping, and OOCL, has extended its partnership until 2032. This is one of the largest alliances in terms of shipping capacity, with:
- CMA CGM: 662 vessels, 3.9 million TEUs.
- COSCO Shipping: 512 vessels, 3.3 million TEUs.
- Evergreen: 224 vessels, 1.8 million TEUs.
- 52 new vessels under construction, adding 881,000 TEUs.
Additionally, MSC and ZIM have announced a new alliance on the Transpacific route, connecting Asia - US East Coast and Gulf of Mexico starting February 2025.
5. The Impact of Geopolitical Issues on Maritime Transport
5.1 Red Sea Crisis and Alternative Shipping Routes
At the end of 2023, attacks by the Houthi group in the Red Sea forced most shipping lines to divert via the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa), extending voyages by 14 days. However, the situation is evolving with:
- A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
- Internal instability in Iran, potentially reducing support for the Houthis.
- Possible reopening of the Suez Canal route, which could reduce freight rates by up to 70%.
Despite this, Maersk and Gemini Cooperation are maintaining plans to avoid the Red Sea in the initial phase.
5.2 Trends on the Transpacific Route
In 2024, rising consumer demand in the US has driven a strong increase in Asian exports. However:
- US-China trade tensions could disrupt supply chains.
- New tariff policies may shift cargo flows and influence shipping strategies.
With these uncertainties, businesses must closely monitor developments and adjust their logistics plans accordingly.
6. Conclusion: What Should Businesses Do?
The restructuring of container shipping alliances in 2025 will have significant impacts on freight costs, delivery times, and supply chain strategies. To adapt, import-export businesses must collaborate with professional logistics providers to optimize costs and ensure an uninterrupted supply chain. Real Logistics offers professional ocean and air freight services, helping businesses:
- Access strategic shipping routes through direct partnerships with major carriers.
- Ensure stable schedules with fast and accurate booking services.
- Receive full support with customs clearance, shipping documents, and supply chain management.
- Transport special cargo, including fragile goods, dangerous goods (DGR), and high-value items.
Real Logistics is a trusted partner for import-export businesses, helping to optimize freight costs and enhance supply chain efficiency amidst the evolving maritime industry.
—————————————
Real Logistics Co.,Ltd
👉 Facebook: Real Logistics Co.,Ltd
☎️ Hotline: 028.3636.3888 | 0936.386.352
📩 Email: info@reallogistics.vn | han@reallogistics.vn
🏡 Address: 39 - 41 B4, An Loi Dong, Thu Duc, HCM City
51 Quan Nhan, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi City
