FMC calls for P3 to be put under the microscope


The Federal Maritime Commission, which regulates ocean transport in the US has joined other industry groups in calling for a careful scrutiny the proposed ‘P3’ alliance between Maersk Line, MSC and CMA CGM. FMC chairman, Mario Cordero, has called on other regulators in the European Union and China, to join with him in a Global Regulatory Summit on the proposed liner grouping. The Summit would take place in Washington, DC. In October, the Global Shippers’


Forum (GSF) raised its concerns over the P3 shipping alliance, saying that it was worried about its market impact and the effect on


rates and the quality of services (FBJ 7 2013, page 3). The P3 Alliance has meanwhile


unveiled outline plans for its service schedules in the main east- west, transpacific and transatlantic trades. (See box). The FMC chairman said that


early estimates by Maersk Line’s chief trading and marketing officer put market control of such an alliance at about 42% on the Asia to Europe route, 24% on the transpacific routes, and 40-42% on the transatlantic route. Indications are that the P3 network will be operated from new management offices in London and Singapore with a staff of approximately 200. The proposed Alliance has already named Maersk Line’s head of Asia/ Europe trade Lars Mikel Jensen as its chief executive officer. Other FMC members voiced about


concern fleet reduction


and plans. Commissioner Richard Lidinsky said: “It is clear this Alliance is moving forward as if it has already met regulatory approval despite the lack of any significant filing with regulatory


authorities in Europe, China or the US. Pushing behind the scenes and placing positive stories with the


press is not a substitute for proper consideration of the consequences of this massive carrier alignment.”


P3 plans revealed


CMA CGM has revealed details of its planned P3 network that it plans to set up with its new partners Maersk and MSC. Claiming the most comprehensive network on the three main east-west trades, there will be 13 weekly services on the Asia-Europe/Mediterranean trades, five weekly Transatlantic services - three from North Europe and two from the Med – and nine weekly Transpacific services. In the east-west trades alone, there will be 27 fixed-day weekly loops, 240 vessels with total capacity of 2,6 million teu and 143 ports will be served. The partners also promise an extensive European feeder network covering the UK east and west coasts, plus Ireland and intermodal services to all parts of the European hinterland. Direct Far East deep-sea calls in the UK include: FAL2 between China and Malaysia and Southampton; FAL3 between Japan, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Felixstowe; FAL 5 - Central and South China, Malaysia and both Southampton and Felixstowe with Southampton as first port of discharge westbound; FAL 7 Korea, China and Felixstowe as last port of loading eastbound; FAL8 - comprehensive range of Chinese ports including west Pearl River Delta at Nasha, Sri Lanka and Felixstowe as first port of discharge; and FAL9 - Korea, China, Singapore and Felixstowe. In the Europe/North America trades there will be five fixed day weekly loops, 32 vessels and 200,000teu a week, with 28 ports of call. The Liberty Bridge service calls at Felixstowe, New York, Baltimore and Norfolk and the Equality Bridge will link Felixstowe to New York, Norfolk and Charleston.


Irish Ferries is to add a third ship to its Dublin to Holyhead in December. Currently, the ferry company operates eight sailings per day with its flagship Ulysses and the high speed craſt Jonathan Swiſt. The chartered the Epsilon, built in 2011 will provide two additional departures per day in each direction The vessel will also provide


improved annual dry-dock cover and also scope for increased capacity on other Irish Ferries’ Irish Sea and Ireland to France services. Irish Ferries’ marketing director,


Tony Kelly described the move as ”a major vote of confidence by the Republic of Ireland’s leading ferry operator in the recovery of the country’s economy. We believe


that Ireland has turned the corner and we are prepared to invest in the provision of improved services for our valued freight and tourism customers who have shown fantastic loyalty throughout the last five difficult years.” Stena Line also added extra


freight capacity to its Belfast- Liverpool service in the shape of the Stena Hibernia on 5 November. She will initially operate eight sailings per week departing Liverpool Tuesday to Friday at 0300 and Belfast Tuesday to Friday at 1500. Route manager Irish Sea North, Paul Grant said: “The freight market is showing signs of recovery and it’s important that Stena Line adds capacity to accommodate the expected growth.”


More ships as Ireland turns the corner


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