The world’s second and third-largest container lines are pursuing savings in tough markets by forging an alliance.

    Swiss owner MSC and France’s CMA CGM said Thursday they have agreed to form a “broad-based operating partnership” taking in Asia to northern Europe, Asia to southern Africa and all South American markets.

     The move is designed to improve the two partners’ performance and they foresee “extensive operating synergies” and better service for shippers.

     The lines added that on certain trades, the tie-up will allow them to deploy the “best ships” in the two fleets, while increasing the number of ports of call and frequency of sailings.
 

source:asiasis