The latest Global Liner Performance (GLP) report by Sea-Intelligence reveals key trends in the global container shipping market for February 2025. Data shows a 3.6 percentage point month-on-month improvement in global schedule reliability, reaching 54.9%—the highest level since May 2024. Year-over-year, reliability rose by 1.8 points, signaling sustained market recovery.

Among major carriers, Maersk topped the rankings with 60.2% reliability, followed by MSC (57.4%) and Hapag-Lloyd (57.3%), underscoring their competitive edge in on-time performance.

New Alliances Emerge as 2M and THE Alliance Phase Out

The market witnessed the launch of two new alliances—Gemini Cooperation and Premier Alliance—while 2M and THE Alliance gradually disband. The Ocean Alliance remains unchanged, marking a new competitive era for East-West trades.

Notably, MSC continues to operate independently but maintains significant influence through its vast standalone network. "MSC’s absence from alliances doesn’t diminish its market clout, given its extensive East-West coverage," said Sea-Intelligence CEO Alan Murphy.

Gemini’s Strong Start: 94% Reliability at Origin Ports

While full-network performance for new alliances will take 4–5 months to assess, initial data highlights Gemini Cooperation’s standout 94% reliability at origin ports, far surpassing MSC (79.6%) and Premier Alliance (60.4%). In contrast, Ocean Alliance recorded 54.1%, while outgoing alliances THE Alliance and 2M trailed at 45.3% and 44.2%, respectively.

Sea-Intelligence analysts caution that Gemini’s early lead requires further monitoring as networks mature. "Origin port performance is promising, but end-to-end reliability remains the true test," they noted.

Industry Reset: The New Rules of Competition

The 2025 liner market is undergoing a paradigm shift. Traditional alliance models are being redefined, with Gemini Cooperation gaining early momentum through reliability and targeted strategies. Meanwhile, MSC’s independent network ensures its competitiveness despite non-alignment.

As the market consolidates, operators’ network design, schedule reliability, and service stability will dictate success. Key questions loom: Can Gemini sustain its lead? Will Ocean Alliance recalibrate? The answers will shape the next chapter of global shipping.