As the largest stakeholder in the giant P3-alliance, Maersk Line maintains the schedule for the launch of the alliance. Yesterday´s meeting in at the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in Washington and the request to prolong the process with FMC has not changed that.
This is how Chief Trade & Marketing Officer at Maersk Line, Vincent Clerc, comments on the "summit" held in the American capital between competition authorities from EU, the USA and China.
The P3-alliance between Maersk Line, MSC og CMA CGM will be launched in the second quarter 2014 although things indicate that the launch will probably happen in the summer rather than during the spring of next year.
Late second quarter
"There is no reason for us to change that date. The process is developing as expected and we are confident to receive an approval of the alliance for the cooperation to be launched in second quarter next year, perhaps during the last part of the quarter," says Vincent Clerc.
The meeting in Washington was set up by the FMC, which called for the parties to examine the impact and the consequences of the P3-alliance to customers and world trade but also to examine the impact of alliances in general.
"On the basis of what has been sent out from the meeting, I believe it is positive and highly relevant for the authorities to cooperate and examine cross-boarder trade. Regarding the review of P3 we are dealing with sovereign states meaning that we contribute with what we are requested to do," Vincent Clerc states.
Weekly briefing
The three carriers have recently submitted comments to the Chinese Ministry of Trade, just as they have answered questions from the FMC. The American authorities have received comments from a variety of industry stakeholders. Some of these have raised concerns about the impact of the P3-alliance, some believe the alliance will benefit productivity and service.
Alongside the approval process with the authorities, P3 is engaged in establishing the organization to be located in London which has been named as headquarter for the alliance. Lars Mikael Jensen of Maersk Line has been appointed CEO and is working to find the staff members for the P3-operations. Once a week, the three carriers involved in P3 are briefed on the development.
The London HQ will house 200 staff members.
P3 summit ended without conclusions
Maersk Line: P3 has no plans to sail faster
More from ShippingWatch
DSV grows markedly in Latin America – from 30 to thousands of employees in 13 years
In 13 years, DSV has expanded vigorously in Latin America, and last year the region represented the highest growth rates in the logistics firm’s air and sea business. Large acquisitions have given access to new markets, says regional head in an interview with ShippingWatch.
Decline in spot rates may put pressure on carriers' contract earnings
Diving spot rates on container freight mean that more shippers are expected to want to leave the more costly long contracts, according to analysts. This may hit carriers such as Maersk, where seven out of ten are on contract. Futures indicate rate decline as well.
Maersk Broker sees stagnating sales of container, dry bulk ships
After an extreme year in both the container and dry bulk segments, which have seen several ship sales, trading is now stagnating somewhat. ”There are fewer buyers, but optimism isn’t gone,” Maersk Broker executive tells ShippingWatch.
A pair of Nikes will see marginal price increase from greener shipping
The price of usual consumer goods such as shoes and fridges will remain largely unchanged following the green transformation of shipping, concludes analysis by NGO Transport & Environment.
KPI Oceanconnect increased Asia volumes markedly last year
Bunker market uncertainty made its mark on KPI Oceanconnect’s business in 2021/2022, but the Bunker Holding subsidiary reports marked volume increases in Hong Kong and China.
Head of Vessel Operations 
Accountant Assistant - Creditor & Payment Team 
Senior Legal Counsel with a focus on Offshore Renewables 
Safety Leadership & Transformation Manager 
Head of Airfreight 
Crewing officer 
Senior Sales Manager