Evergreen Line has joined the CKYH Alliance that will operate on the Asia-Europe trade, strengthening the group and improving its ability to compete with the proposed Maersk-led P3 network.

Taiwan's top shipping company joins Cosco, "K" Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin in what will be known as the CKYHE Alliance, the carriers announced in a statement today.

The alliance will be formally inaugurated on March 1 subject to compliance with the relevant regulations and operations will begin in mid-April with six joint services between Asia and Northern Europe, and four loops dedicated to the Asia-Mediterranean route.

By including Evergreen in the alliance, the CKYHE lines will enhance their services and boost the ability to compete with the P3 group comprising the world's top three carriers, Maersk Line, CMA CGM and MSC.

Although the P3 is struggling to jump through regulatory hoops in several jurisdictions around the world, the industry expects the alliance will be approved by mid-year.

CKYHE Alliance members agreed to "continuously review services on the Asia-Northern Europe and Asia-Mediterranean trades in order to optimize their efficiency and to enhance their service quality in terms of network coverage".

The lines also promise "better quality of service" in terms of transit times and service frequency.

"Operational efficiencies will also strengthen the alliance members' effective environmental stewardship," the joint statement read.

"The lines have a commitment to cleaner shipping, which they understand their customers value highly. The Alliance will continue to pursue measures to minimise bunker consumption via 'eco-slow steaming' and to reduce CO2 emissions."