The '2M' Alliance made up of Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company and the 'Ocean Three Alliance' composed of CMA CGM, China Shipping Container Lines and United Arab Shipping Company have chosen Malta Freeport Terminals as their main transhipment hub in the Central Mediterranean. This is a significant accomplishment for Malta Freeport Terminals which clearly attests that the Freeport's facilities offer carriers the required infrastructure and equipment to operate the largest vessels
The new Alliances have strengthened Malta Freeport Terminals' accessibility and the Freeport is now offering its clients a total of 17 weekly mainline services, which are complemented by an extensive number of weekly feedering services. A total of 128 ports all across the globe can now be reached from Malta Freeport Terminals. The increased regular global network connections available from the Port are providing the local importers and exporters remarkable opportunities to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of their business operations.
'MSC Capella' was the first vessel to call at Malta Freeport Terminals
on the commencement of services by the 2M Alliance yesterday. The first two containerships of the Ocean Three Alliance, which called simultaneously at Malta Freeport last week were 'Xin Qin Huang Dao' and 'CMA CGM Butterfly". These vessels called at the Freeport on the 'PHOEX'service and 'MEX1' service respectively.
Alex Montebello, CEO of Malta Freeport Terminals commented on this fresh business, "Malta Freeport Terminals is pleased to welcome the 2 Mega Alliances at our facilities. This was truly a crucial achievement for our Company which would not have been attained if Malta Freeport Terminals did not offer the carriers a competitive and efficient package encompassing all the various players within the Maltese maritime industry. It is now imperative that everyone at Malta Freeport works as a team to ensure that the high level of service expected by these key players within the container industry is effectively met."
CMA CGM
CMA CGM is the third-largest container shipping company worldwide. CMA CGM transports a volume of 12.1 million TEUs each year, operates a fleet of 445 vessels, its fleet's slot capacity is 1.648 million TEUs and serves 400 ports. The carrier is present in more than 150 countries through its network of over 650 agencies. CMA CGM's largest containerships have a capacity of 16,000 TEUs. Such ships make up nearly 20% of the CMA CGM fleet.
CMA CGM is represented in Malta by Carmelo Caruana Company Limited.
China Shipping Container Lines
China Shipping Container Lines, which is affiliated to China Shipping Group, is the 7th largest global container shipping line. By the end of 2015, the carrier will have a fleet of 156 vessels representing a total capacity of 724,000 TEUs. 87 out of the 156 ships are above 4,000 TEU, totaling 620,000 TEU. The 'CSCL GLOBE', the first of five similar-sized vessels to be introduced into its service between Europe and Asia this year, is amongst the world's largest vessels with a capacity of 19,100 TEUs. CSCL's container ships are calling at more than 180 ports regularly in over 60 countries and regions.
The local shipping agent for China Shipping Containers Lines is Medsea Shipping Agency.
United Arab Shipping Company
United Arab Shipping Company is 16th world's leading ocean carrier. UASC is based in the Middle East and is presently in more than 75 countries around the world, covering over 200 ports worldwide. The carrier has a fleet of 55 vessels representing a total capacity of 384,657 TEUs. UASC is currently implementing one of the industry's largest and most technologically advanced new building programmes, with 17 new vessels on order, six having a capacity of 18,800 TEU and eleven with a capacity of 15,000 TEU containerships, all to be delivered to UASC by mid-2016
UASC is represented in Malta by Valletta Freight Services Ltd.
Brief information on the shipping lines forming part of the 2 M Alliance
Maersk Line
A.P. Moller - Maersk Group also known as Maersk, has been the largest containership operator and supply vessel operator in the world since 1996. Maersk Group is based in Copenhagen, Denmark with subsidiaries and offices in more than 135 countries and has activities in a variety of business sectors, primarily within the transportation and energy sectors. The carrier provides ocean transportation in all parts of the world offering multiple weekly sailings on all major trades. Maersk Line has a fleet of 607 vessels with a capacity of over 2.97 million TEUs, and around 11 million full containers are shipped annually. Maersk Line markets its services through the following brands: Maerk Line, Safmarine, MCC Transport (Intra-Asia), Seago Line (Intra-Europe), Mercosul (Brazil) and Sealand (from 2015 Intra- Americas).
Maersk Line are represented in Malta by Thomas Smith& Company Limited
Mediterranean Shipping Company
Mediterranean Shipping Company is the second world's leading ocean carrier, with over 480 agency offices in 150 countries and a fleet of 497 vessels with a capacity of 2.55 million TEUs. The Company employs a team of over 24,000 dedicated individuals. MSC 'Oscar' currently holds the title as the world's biggest container ship and is able to carry 19,224 TEUs.
Mediterranean Shipping Company is represented in Malta by John Ripard & Sons Ltd.