In the dynamic world of ocean freight, shippers face crucial choices looking ahead to 2025. The container alliances will be thoroughly revised next year, bringing new opportunities and challenges. At Van der Helm Logistics, we are closely following these developments so that we can advise and support our customers in the best possible way.

What is changing in container alliances?

As of February 2025, existing collaborations in liner shipping will be completely revised:

• Maersk and MSC end their 2M alliance. Maersk will continue together with Hapag Lloyd under the name ‘Gemini Cooperation,’ with a combined fleet of 340 ships divided into 29 main services and 30 shuttles. They opt for a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model, with some strategic ports serving as hubs.
• Premier Alliance is formed by ONE, HMM and Yang Ming, with a slot-sharing agreement with MSC for Asia-Europe lines.
• Ocean Alliance (CMA-CGM, Evergreen, COSCO and OOCL) remains stable and extends its cooperation until 2032. Their network will be revealed later.

These changes have a direct impact on ports, shippers and logistics chains. Flexibility and strategic planning are essential to take full advantage of these changes.

The winners: which ports benefit?

Changes in container alliances are creating new opportunities for some ports to strengthen their position in global logistics:

• Singapore: Six additional calls on Asia-Europe route, partly at the expense of Tanjung Pelepas.
• Vietnamese ports: Cai Mep and Vung Tau are becoming more accessible.
• Felixstowe (UK): Thanks to lower ETS costs, several alliances are choosing UK ports as their first port of call, giving Felixstowe and Southampton a competitive advantage.

The losers: who is losing ground?

The review of networks not only has winners, but also brings challenges and loss of interest for some ports:

• Antwerp: Loses four calls on the Asia-Europe route and is not included as a hub in the Gemini network.
• Yantian (China): Fewer run-ups due to strategic revisions.
• London Gateway: Must cede ground to Felixstowe.

What does this mean for Rotterdam?

Rotterdam remains a stable player in liner shipping and is becoming an important hub within the Gemini network. This presents opportunities for growth in container movements at the Maasvlakte. Yet the hub-and-spoke model also brings challenges. Experts say it is complex to achieve consistently high performance at both hub and peripheral ports. This requires close cooperation and flexible logistics solutions.

Advice for 2025: How can you prepare?

At Van der Helm Logistics, we believe in proactive planning and strong supply chain partnerships. With the right approach, you can take advantage of changes in container alliances. Here are our recommendations:

1. Focus on flexibility: Provide flexible contracts that allow room to respond to market changes.
2. Manage risk: Anticipate disruptions such as strikes, network changes and geopolitical challenges.
3. Optimize your network: Choose strategic partners that make your supply chain agile and reliable.

With our extensive experience and customer-focused approach, we help you optimize your logistics processes, even in a changing ocean freight landscape.

Want to know more?

Want to know how we can support your supply chain in 2025? Contact Van der Helm Logistics and discover our solutions for an efficient and future-proof supply chain.