MSC and Maersk have finally confirmed the structural suspension of one of their six joint 2M Asia – North Europe loops, the ‘AE1 / Shogun’.
This suspension will have no immediate effect on the trade since all of the loop’s sailings from China had already been successively cancelled since early December.
The decision to axe the ‘AE1 / Shogun’ now comes at a time wjem MSC is taking delivery of five ‘megamax’ newbuildings.
Due in March and April, these 24,000 teu ships have prompted the carrier to up-size a number of loops with bigger tonnage.
The Geneva-based shipping line also seems to have decided to launch its new Asia – Med service ‘Dragon’ with bigger ships than initially anticipated:
The first five vessels earmarked for this loop have capacities from 9,000 to 14,400 teu, rather than the initially scheduled tonnage of 7,000 teu or less.
Source: AlphaLiner
