Maersk Line said it still remains confident of securing approval for the P3 alliance and meeting the summer launch target following this week’s meeting of U.S., European and Chinese regulators in Washington, D.C., to discuss its planned partnership with Mediterranean Shipping Co. and CMA CGM.

“The process is developing as expected and we are confident to receive an approval of the alliance for the cooperation to be launched in the second quarter next year, perhaps during the last part of the quarter,” said Vincent Clerc, Maersk Line’s chief trade and marketing officer, in an interview with Shipping Watch, a Danish newsletter.

The Federal Maritime Commission’s decision to prolong its investigation has not affected the timetable for the launch of the alliance among the world’s three largest ocean carriers.

“There is no reason to change that date,” Clerc said. “On the basis of what has been sent out from the [Washington] meeting, I believe it is positive and highly relevant for the authorities to cooperate and examine cross-border trade.”

“Regarding the review of the P3, we are dealing with sovereign states, meaning that we contribute with what we are requested to do,” he added.

-----FM JOC