Shipping alliance shifts contribute to congestion.

In early January 2025, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a labor agreement ahead of the expiration of their previous contract, avoiding a potential strike. While the agreement has helped avert major disruptions, the ongoing impact on supply chains, particularly in terms of volumes and routing, is still in the process of normalizing.

The global shipping industry is also facing significant changes with major alliances restructuring. MSC and Maersk are ending their 2M Alliance, with MSC set to operate independently while forming space agreements with other carriers, including ZIM. Meanwhile, Maersk is partnering with Hapag-Lloyd to create the Gemini Cooperation, and Hapag will leave THE Alliance to join Maersk. The Ocean Alliance has extended its agreement through 2032 but will reduce capacity on the Trans-Atlantic trade lane.

These carrier alliance changes in 2025 may lead to short-term disruptions such as irregular vessel arrivals, blank sailings, and increased port omissions. Long-term impacts could include discontinued routes, shifts from direct to indirect services, and longer transit times. Shippers may need to reassess their strategies to accommodate these changes.
Source: https://www.chrobinson.com/