Drewry: Only a Matter of Time Before Ocean 3 Becomes Ocean 4

The addition of Hamburg Süd is a "logical fit," according to Drewry.

Hamburg Süd's growing cooperation with members of the Ocean Three alliance may be a signal that the Germany-based carrier line will soon become an official fourth member, according to research by Drewry.

Formed last year, the Ocean Three alliance is currently made up of CMA CGM, China Shipping Container Lines Co.,Ltd (CSCL) and United Arab Shipping Company (UASC). 

According to Drewry, both the CEOs of Hamburg Süd and CMA CGM have indicated that "there is nothing to stop it from happening," with the research company having suggested that the carriers are taking time to test new markets before making the arrangement official.

Research by Drewry also indicates that Hamburg Süd now has a presence on eight trade services operated by Ocean Three carriers. 

"While the Ocean Four would remain much smaller in total capacity terms than the 2M, it would have a distinct competitive edge thanks to its unique mix of East-West and North-South services, which could force the other mega-alliances to follow suit," Drewry said. 

The tightening cooperation between the four carriers is notable, the research company added, especially as members of other alliances have reportedly broken off to start standalone service loops. 

Hamburg Süd's addition, on the other had, is expected to be a "logical fit" given that the cooperation opens up new trade routes for each company, meaning that the carriers will likely lean heavily on each other for guidance.

"Were they to escalate their relationship they would be even less likely to undermine each other," Drewry said. 

Hamburg Süd first gained a foothold into the alliance last September when it signed a cooperation agreement with UASC. 

At the time, it was reported that that the deal would give UASC access to Hamburg Süd's South American routes, while Hamburg Süd would establish a presence on the East-West routes.