Ever-independent Evergreen joins CKYH to form new 'CKYHE' Alliance

TAIWAN's Evergreen Line, known for its independent streak, has joined the CKYH, renaming the group "CKYHE Alliance" by joining Cosco. "K" Line, Yang Ming and Hanjin to operate on the Asia-Europe trade lane that will include the Mediterranean region.

The lines intend to integrate Evergreen operationally into the CKYHE, starting March 1, subject to compliance with regulations, and will commence full operations mid-April with six joint services between Asia and northern Europe and also operate four Asia-Med loops.

The members of CKYHE have agreed to continuously review services on the Asia-north Europe and Asia-Med trades to optimise efficiency and to enhance service quality in terms of network coverage.

"Customers will benefit from a better quality of service in terms of transit times and service frequency," said the CKYHE joint statement.

"Operational efficiencies will also strengthen alliance members' effective environmental stewardship. The lines have a commitment to cleaner shipping, which they understand their customers value highly. The alliance will continue to pursue measures to minimise bunker consumption through slow steaming to reduce CO2 emissions," the statement said.