Doyle Urges 2M Partners to Honor Their Commitments

In mid-December 2016, Maersk Line announced that, together with its 2M Alliance partner Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), it was entering into a “Strategic Cooperation” with Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM). The agreement would establish a framework for the three companies to share space in the U.S. trades with a combination of slot exchanges. 

The Maersk/MSC/HMM Strategic Cooperation Agreement is currently pending with the Federal Maritime Commission for review before taking effect.

Maersk’s December announcement stated in part: 2M cargo will however only be loaded onto HMM vessels with customers’ express agreement – and only on the HMM operated service that is part of the Asia to US West Coast slot swap agreement. These HMM services are not part of the 2M network today.

This paragraph was widely interpreted as a response to shippers’ concern in the wake of the Hanjin insolvency. That shippers had to take affirmative action was viewed as a safeguard for those wary of having containers on a HMM vessel. 

The Maersk announcement no longer contains the aforesaid paragraph.

Too often small to medium sized shippers lack the bargaining power to choose which actual carrier will transport their goods. As I review the Strategic Cooperation Agreement, I want to ensure that the commitment made by 2M partners to the shipping public, American businesses and consumers is honored.