French carrier CMA CGM and Germany’s Hamburg Sud have agreed to further extend their existing cooperation, including introducing more connections involving Asia.
In addition to the already existing joint services between North Europe and both East and West coasts of South America, various new initiatives are in the final stages of preparation, a joint statement said.
It said that since mid-January, Hamburg Sud has been taking slots between Asia and the Caribbean on CMA CGM’s PEX 2 service as well as on the Brazex service for a connection to Manaus from the Caribbean.
And starting mid-May, subject to approval by U.S. regulator Federal Maritime Commission, the lines will start a new pendulum service which will connect Asia, the Caribbean, the U.S. East Coast and North Europe, together with United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) for the transatlantic side, said the liners. Details are still to be released, but this new service will be complementing the one connecting Asia with the U.S. East Coast via Suez, they continued.
From July onwards, the lines will, together with further partners, revamp the services between Asia and both East and West Coast of South America. Details on the new service configurations are being finalized and will be available shortly.
“The enhanced cooperation allows both lines to provide the market with cost efficient, innovative new products which will be best in class as far as scope, frequency and fast transit times are concerned,” said the carriers.
The lines will also look into other cooperation opportunities when they arise.
Rodolphe Saadé, group vice chairman, said: “CMA CGM has signed a major new agreement with a valuable partner. This partnership reinforces the group’s position in South and North America, reflecting our ambitions in this rapidly growing area and giving us the means to accelerate our development.”
CMA CGM is part of the Ocean Three Alliance with China Shipping Container Line and UASC, while Hamburg Sud signed a slot exchange deal with UASC late last year to gain entry into the Asia-North Europe and Asia-U.S. trades.
New GRR in February
In related news, CMA CGM said it will implement a new general rate restoration (GRR) measure from all Asian ports to Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India.
Effective February 15, 2015, CMA CGM will impose the GRR on all cargo for its CIMEX Lines that ply Asia-to-Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and India routes.
The new rates will increase by US$100 per 20-foot container and also $100 per 40-foot unit.
Photo: Marc Ryckaert
