The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has delayed the start of the Premier Alliance Agreement, a proposed vessel-sharing partnership between HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE), and Yang Ming. The agreement aims to allow the three companies to share vessels, charter space, and collaborate on global shipping operations. It was designed to replace THE Alliance, which is being restructured following Hapag-Lloyd’s departure to join Maersk in the new Gemini Cooperation.
The Premier Alliance Agreement was filed with the FMC on October 28 and was set to take effect on December 12. However, the FMC determined that the filing lacked sufficient details to evaluate its competitive impact and compliance with statutory requirements.
“The Commission has determined that the Premier Alliance Agreement as submitted lacks sufficient detail to allow for a complete analysis of potential competitive impacts and whether the agreement fully complies with all statutory requirements,” the FMC said in a statement.
The FMC has issued a Request for Additional Information (RFAI), requiring the companies to provide further documents and verified information to address unresolved issues. The review process will not resume until the FMC receives a fully compliant response. Once deemed complete, the Commission will have 45 days to analyze the agreement, and a 15-day public comment period will follow its publication in the Federal Register.
The delay has disrupted the alliance’s timeline, including the postponement of its planned Transpacific PS5 and PN4 services until May 2025. ONE has announced temporary adjustments to its existing services, adding calls at Ningbo and Qingdao on certain routes.
The situation is similar to one earlier this year involving the Gemini Cooperation Agreement between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. While that agreement ultimately went into effect, it remains under enhanced FMC scrutiny.
The Premier Alliance now faces a comparable review process as it awaits approval to move forward with its launch plans.