World: Shipping mergers changing global alliances WSJ

Some of the world’s biggest ocean shipping alliances could be much bigger by month’s end, as top container operators vie for regulatory approvals of new tie-ups, industry executives said on Tuesday.

The changes come as Chinese majors China Ocean Shipping or Cosco, and China Shipping Group Co. are trying to get their recently completed merger approved by European Union and US regulators. The Chinese watchdog already has given a thumbs-up to the merger.

France’s CMA CGM SA also is seeking regulatory approvals by all three regulators for its $2.4 billion acquisition of Singapore’s Neptune Orient Lines, announced in December.

“Chances are that the alliances you see today will change significantly over the next two weeks,” said William Doyle, a commissioner at the U.S. watchdog, the Federal Maritime Commission.

“The alliances have in fact changed already because of the recent consolidation among four major carriers,” Mr. Doyle said. “We are expecting their proposals for regulatory approvals.”

Full content: WallStreetJournal

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