China Shipping and Cosco get closer in Asia-Europe trades (Llyod's List)

(30-12-2011)

CHINA’s two biggest container lines are to work more closely together as an extensive shake-up of the Asia-Europe trades continues.

Cosco Container Line and China Shipping have disclosed plans to enlarge their space swap arrangements next year. The agreement covers both the north Europe and Mediterranean trades.The announcement comes amid speculation that China Shipping is in talks with the CKYH alliance, which includes Cosco, about a partnership arrangement.

The new space swap agreement between Cosco and China Shipping covers three services operated by each line, but it is unclear whether this deal involves all the CKYH members.China Shipping is thought to be in talks with its partner Evergreen and members of the CKYH consortium about a six-strong co-operative arrangement covering the Asia-Europe trades that would offer a powerful alternative to the new alliances now being formed by other global carriers.