ZIM and the G6 alliance (APL, HMM, MOL, Hapag-Lloyd, NYK and OOCL) are holding discussions in order to cooperate in the Asia-Pacific North West Coast trade, expanding the current cooperation between ZIM and G6 on the Asia-US East coast trade.

The new structure is planned to commence from the second quarter of 2014.

Rafael Ben-Ari, ZIM VP Shipping, said: Joint ventures are part of ZIM's ongoing strategy. We are partners on the PNW with the Grand Alliance since 2009 and discuss to continue moving forward. Our aim as always is to improve the services to our customers.

Any cooperative agreement will be subject to FMC approval.