The 2M Alliance, led by Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), offers shared vessels over 44 regular routes between Europe, Asia and the US east and west coasts. But will it take this year's top TEU spot when the Ocean Alliance, the largest in history, launches in April 2017? PTI's audience thinks so.
PTI reported its initial poll results with an Ocean Alliance infographic on February 3, 2017, and found that 48.4% of participants believed the 2M Alliance would be crowned the strongest by the end of the year with THE Alliance coming second with 27.4% of the vote.
This was despite the Ocean Alliance being led by CMA-CGM and made up of China Cosco Shipping, Evergreen Line, and Orient Overseas Container Line, offering 40 services on the east-west trades with 498 port calls.
And, almost two weeks later (February 16, 2017), 2M has kept its place with 44.7% believing it will still be the TEU leader by the end of 2017.*
However, the Ocean Alliance has now taken second position away from THE Alliance, with 29.95% of the vote, leaving the carrier group consisting of NYK Line, MOL, K Line, Hapag-Lloyd, and Yang Ming Line with just 20.74%.
It would seem that it's an industry belief that the 2M will not be toppled. But why?
One reason could be the anticipation of an ace up 2M's sleeve, especially as Maersk Line and MSC recently launched an aggressive capacity hike to coincide with launch of the Ocean Alliance.
But before casting your vote, take a look at the infographic below, courtesy of Xeneta, to learn more about 2M.
*Poll statistics correct at the time of reporting
