World News
2M Mulls More Partners: Israel's ZIM Now Said to Be in Talks to Ally with Maersk Line and MSC
In its latest weekly newsletter, Alphaliner says sources have indicated that Israel's ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (ZIM) could potentially become a member of the 2M alliance, which currently consists of Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC).
The news comes on the heels of an announcement last week by Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) that it has embarked upon negotiations to join the 2M Alliance - seemingly contradicting earlier statements that it wanted to join THE Alliance and sparking rumours of a possible acquisition of HMM by Maersk Line.
The potential four carrier alliance (that Alphaliner dubs 2M++) would be mainly focussed on the transpacific route, with Alphaliner saying it would bring 2M++'s share to around 23 percent, compared to 40 percent for the upcoming "Ocean Alliance," and 34 percent for the future "THE Alliance."
Earlier this week, Ship & Bunker reported that Drewry Shipping Consultants Limited (Drewry), in its latest edition of Container Insight, called news that financially troubled HMM is negotiating to join the 2M alliance a "bizarre" twist that suggests that there is more to the story.
While none of the companies involved have confirmed that ZIM is in talks to join 2M, the development may point to the existence of a larger 2M strategy that could put HMM's negotiations with the two shipping giants, Maersk Line and MSC, into context for those confounded by the news.
As Ship & Bunker reported earlier this week, one such theory coming from the rumour mill is a possible acquisition of HMM by Maersk Line.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 646.50 | 5.50 | 773.50 | 11.50 |
| Rotterdam | 604.00 | 5.00 | 756.00 | 5.00 |
| Houston | 630.50 | 1.00 | 798.50 | 4.00 |
| Fujairah | 650.50 | 3.00 | 897.00 | 13.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 662.50 | 1.00 | 858.50 | 0.50 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 633.00 | 3.50 | 806.00 | 6.50 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 718.50 | 0.50 | 914.00 | 1.00 |
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