Four Alliances – From APM Terminals Gothenburg to Global Markets

Since the first quarter of this year, major shipping lines have reorganized — forming new alliances, introducing new service structures, and in some cases, completely redefining how ocean transport is managed. Discover how you can take advantage of APM Terminals Gothenburg’s extensive offering to reach global markets with solutions tailored to your specific needs.

MSC – Direct, High-Capacity, and Trusted

MSC has long followed a clear growth strategy, allowing the company to operate independently and continue offering the highly valued direct service between Gothenburg and Asia. Their mainliner vessels — approximately 360 meters in length and with a capacity of 16,000 TEU — call weekly at APM Terminals, supported by additional feeder connections. MSC highlights the benefits of its service:

“The direct call enables Swedish importers and exporters to reach the Far East, including China and Korea, without transshipment. It significantly reduces the risk of delays in a world where conditions can shift rapidly.”

Gemini Cooperation – A Smart Hub System Offering New Opportunities

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have partnered to form the new Gemini Cooperation. This global network is built around strategic hubs, optimized terminals, and dedicated shuttle services — all designed to streamline cargo flows and enhance reliability.

“The innovative hub-and-spoke model represents a completely new network design, unmatched in container shipping. Now that all shuttle services are fully operational, the Port of Gothenburg is seamlessly connected to the network, with three exclusive weekly sailings from APM Terminals. These services provide reliable links between Gothenburg and the hubs in Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven, where Swedish cargo is transferred directly to and from major mainliners bound for Asia, India/Middle East, and North America,” says Birna Ödefors, Managing Director, Nordics Area at Maersk.

“Reaching over 90% on-time performance right from the start is a clear sign that we’re on the right path toward delivering a more stable and transparent supply chain for our customers,” says Kristoffer Hellstrand, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Sweden.

Ocean Alliance – Expansive Reach and Proven Structures

Ocean Alliance — comprising CMA CGM, Evergreen, Cosco, and OOCL — continues its well-established collaboration, now enhanced with upgraded service loops and increased capacity. The alliance offers multiple weekly departures from Asia to Europe. Local arrangements vary — some carriers operate their own feeders, while others collaborate with third-party providers such as Unifeeder and X-Press Feeders.

Starting in July 2025, CMA CGM will introduce a brand-new combined feeder and short-sea service, with weekly calls from Gothenburg to Aarhus, Klaipeda, and Gdansk.

The Anina vessel from Cosco calls at APM Terminals Gothenburg every Thursday, sailing from Hamburg and Bremerhaven.

“With Anina, imported cargo doesn’t just reach Gothenburg. Thanks to the efficient rail connections APM Terminals has developed in recent years, shipments can reach all parts of Sweden — particularly the northern regions,” says Erik Lund Eriksen, Managing Director of Cosco Sweden.

Johan Wester, Managing Director at OOCL, adds: “The biggest update for 2025 is that we can once again offer the U.S. West Coast as a destination — providing our customers with even more choices.”

Premiere Alliance – Flexible Solutions for Customer Needs

The Premiere Alliance, made up of HMM, Yang Ming, and ONE, brings together three Asian carriers to build a stable Asia–Europe network. From APM Terminals Gothenburg, they offer 4–5 weekly departures for transshipment in Europe.

“Both ONE and HMM have recently added new service loops, strengthening their presence in Northern Europe. This means more choices and more tailored departure options for APM Terminals’ customers. In addition, their collaboration with MSC on several trade lanes brings even more flexibility to the network,” says Martin Johansson, responsible for shipping line relations at APM Terminals.