The Danish giant said the 10-year deal will take in Asia-Europe, transatlantic and transpacific trades.

The cooperation will be known as 2M and replaces all existing VSAs and slot-purchase agreements that Maersk already has in these markets.

The contract includes 185 vessels with an estimated capacity of 2.1m teu on 21 strings.

The targeted start date is early 2015, with permission needed from “some authorities”.

Maersk