The Premier Alliance, comprising Ocean Network Express (ONE), Yang Ming, and HMM, is implementing a revised service strategy focused on enhancing reliability and concentrating operations at key hub ports.

This shift involves a reduction in the number of hubs, particularly in China, with increased emphasis on Shanghai and Busan, and a targeted effort to improve reliability between Asia and Europe.

Speaking to Seastrade Maritime, Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, noted that the updated approach will see more direct port calls, resembling a hub-and-spoke network, though not fully adopting that model.

The alliance aims to bridge the gap in service levels, as current schedule reliability is described as being at a low point. While the basic structure of the new network is known, details such as gate times and specific vessel deployment remain undisclosed.

The restructured network is expected to commence in April of this year, as disclosed by the carriers.

Among the new services, the FE1 route will connect Thailand’s Laem Chabang, Vietnam’s Cai Mep, and Singapore with Rotterdam and Hamburg, before returning to Asia via the Cape of Good Hope.

The necessary tonnage for this service is expected to be available, with newbuild vessels scheduled for delivery mainly in the latter half of the coming year. Initially, existing ships may be used, transitioning to newer vessels as they are delivered.

In addition, the alliance’s MD1 and MD3 services will return to Asia from ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, without extending further west. These routes are positioned as likely candidates for a potential return to Suez Canal transits, offering a shorter passage compared to the Cape route.

Detailed port rotations of the rescheduled services can be found in the announcements by ONE and HMM.