P3 speeds will challenge other carriers

   Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM hope to begin operating the P3 Network on the Asia-Europe, transpacific and transatlantic trade lanes in the second quarter of 2014 following regulatory approval.

   Based on its review of their carrier's schedules, the London-based consultants say the P3’s average vessel speed deployed from Asia to Northern Europe will be kept at 19.5 knots; it will increase 14.4 knots to 14.7 knots on return voyages. In the transpacific, Drewry said average eastbound vessel speeds would increase from 19.6 knots to 19.9 knots, but decrease westbound speeds from 13.3 knots to 12.4 knots.

   Drewry said it expects competitors "to follow P3’s speed improvement on headhaul routes in 2Q 14 whether these carriers can afford it or not."

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