lenovo-systems-solutions-alliancesHMM, the 2M Alliance and Korea Line

George Laurait, Editor in Chief of the American Journal of Transportation writes,

The 2M Alliance, composed of the two largest containership operators, Maersk and MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Corporation) reportedly announced today it will not admit Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) as a full partner in the agreement but will explore other options such as slot exchange or purchase agreement.

Even with the 2M announcement, it’s unclear as to exactly how the deployment would work – Maersk taking over the vessels and operating them within the 2M network or some slot exchange on a mutually agreed services and routes.

And it is never easy, even in stellar market conditions, for the mouse to negotiate with two elephants, as is the case with HMM and the 2M Alliance.”

Read the full article here.