THE Maersk-MSC 2M vessel sharing agreement has announced six Asia-north Europe services, five Asia-Med loops, four Asia-North America west coast strings as well as two via Suez from Asia to the North American east coast.

Maersk Line said the plan also calls for a direct connection from Shanghai to the Black Sea and one to Le Havre and Gothenburg from Japan.

The Maersk-Mediterranean Shipping Co network expects to reduce disruption by having multiple calls at big to minimise the impact of slack season blank sailings.

At this point, we continue to work closely with authorities, helping in any way that we can to ensure that the 2M vessel sharing agreement will be approved,said company executive Diego Aponte, son of MSC the owner, Gianluigi Aponte.