23.11.17OA Overtakes 2M on Asia-NE Trade

There have been major changes in the market shares of the Big Three alliances on the Asia-North Europe trade in the last six years and a half, according to Sea-Intelligence. Ocean Alliance (OA), consisting of CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping Lines, Evergreen Marine and Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), has grown and eaten away the 2M alliance, made up of Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) and Maersk.

Sea-Intelligence has complied a report on the alliances’ share fluctuations from June 2017.

On the Asia-North Europe trade, 2M held a share of approximately 40%; OA, 35%; and THE Alliance, comprising Hapag-Lloyd, Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM and Yang Ming Marine Transport, 25% in June 2017. In 2018, OA overtook 2M, while THE Alliance’s share remained unchanged. OA continued to enlarge its share, even in the coronavirus pandemic, while 2M’s share kept shrinking. Currently, OA accounted for slightly less than 45% of the market, and 2M, around 30%. OA has been eroding 2M continuously on the Asia-North America trade, regardless of the announcement of 2M’s dissolution, Sea-Intelligence has pointed out.

Looking at other trade lanes, capacity increased significantly between Asia and the west coast of North America during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the three alliances to lessen their combined market share. OA has come back now, but 2M has not. The three major alliances have all shrunken their shares on the Asia-east coast of North America route. Between Asia and the Mediterranean, THE Alliance has slightly improved its presence to become on par with OA, which has, in contrast, decreased its share. They are both following 2M, the market leader.