THE re-shuffling of global shipping alliances comes as good news for Saudi Arabia's feeder service Folk Maritime, which sees itself acquiring 15 to 18 containerships in consequence, reports Bloomberg.

That is because the alliance reshuffle comes with a change in operational strategy at least in the case of Maersk's decision to team up with Hapag-Lloyd in Gemini Cooperation with fewer ports of call and greater focus on on-time reliability.

As Saudi's Folk Maritime sees it, such a strategy makes prospects ideal for a matching super-efficient feeder service.

The Gemini Co-operation recently revealed its new hub-and-spoke network for 2025, and is due to choose between the Suez and Cape of Good Hope versions in October.

Both of the plans use streamlined mainline services, with an average of half the number of calls compared to current networks, linked beyond the chosen hub ports using shuttle services.

Folk Maritime will add three new routes next year, said CEO Poul Hestbaek, reported the UK's Seatrade Maritime News,

"If they are successful - and knowing the two companies that have this target, I'm sure they will be successful - then two things will happen: they will be more reliable, and they will be able to operate at lower cost," said Mr Hestbaek.

"If they are successful, the industry will change, and we will know within the next 12 to 16 months," he said.

https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9240900000770