CMA CGM and Ocean Network Express (ONE) are reportedly engaged in talks to form a vessel-sharing agreement (VSA) on the trade route connecting India with the U.S. East Coast. This potential partnership is seen as a strategic move to address current operational challenges faced by carriers operating independently on this lane.
Sources indicate that such a VSA could lead to a more stable and balanced environment for both supply and demand across all participating carriers in the India-North America trade. For freight forwarders, this could translate into more reliable schedules, potentially improved capacity management, and a more predictable rate environment on this specific trade lane. It may also offer more diverse service options and better transit times as carriers optimize their vessel deployment and port rotations through collaboration.
While the discussions are ongoing, a successful agreement could pave the way for increased service frequency and potentially larger vessel deployment, benefiting shippers with greater flexibility and efficiency in their supply chains between India and the U.S. East Coast.
