MAERSK Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) will only have to obtain antitrust approval from the United States and not Europe or China, said Maersk Group CEO Nils Andersen.

Only in the US will the pair need clearance from the Federal Maritime Commission before starting their vessel-sharing agreement covering the east-west trades, he said in announcing second quarter results.

The American regulator holds a review of any notified agreement, although can stop the clock while seeking further information, noted Lloyd's List.

While the former P3 Network was scrapped after China declared it unlawful, the 2M alliance is a much simpler and will be treated differently, said Mr Andersen during a conference call.