Maersk and Rivals Tweak Space-Sharing Pacts
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Notice
Summary
Big shipping companies like Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, MSC, and Zim are updating their teamwork agreements to improve how they share space and routes between the U.S., South America, India, and the Caribbean. These changes kick in between late July and early August 2026 and could affect shipping schedules and costs. If you’re interested, you’ve got about a week or two to send your thoughts to the Federal Maritime Commission.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Slot rules change on East–South trade
Maersk A/S and Hapag Lloyd AG filed an amendment that adds a new structural slot provision, revises governance and arbitration clauses, updates contacts, and restates their East Coast North America to West Coast South America and Caribbean cooperative agreement. The amendment is proposed to take effect on 2026-08-01 and could affect shipping schedules and costs for businesses that use this route.
MSC/ZIM adds India, drops Taiwan
Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. and Zim Integrated Shipping Services filed an amendment that deletes Taiwan from and adds India to the geographic scope of their cooperative working agreement. The amendment is proposed to take effect on 2026-07-30 and could affect shipping schedules and costs for parties shipping to or from those regions.
Space charter authorized for Colombia, Panama
Maersk A/S and Hapag Lloyd AG filed an agreement authorizing the chartering of space between ports on the U.S. East Coast and ports in Colombia and Panama. The space charter is proposed to take effect on 2026-08-01 and could affect shipping schedules and costs for shippers on that trade lane.
Short public comment window available
The Federal Maritime Commission asks interested parties to submit comments, information, or documents by email or mail; comments are most helpful if received within 12 days of this notice and the Commission requests comments within 7 days for agreements asking expedited review. Contact and submission details are provided in the notice.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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