THE Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and the Ocean Alliance dominate the Asia-to-Europe in market share, according to Alphaliner, reports UK's Seatrade Maritime News.

However, the analysis suggests that this trade landscape is dynamic and likely to undergo further changes by the end of the year.

Ensuring stability for European importers in such a pivotal trade route is crucial yet challenging.

The factors driving these changes extend beyond the supply side and are complicated by evolving demand dynamics, unforeseen shocks, and geopolitical and economic pressures.

Alphaliner senior shipping analyst Stefan Verberckmoes acknowledges that the situation could undergo a complete transformation if ships can navigate safely through the Red Sea again.

However, he notes that this is unlikely to be realised in the short term.

According to Alphaliner's analysis, the Ocean Alliance has ceded its leadership in the trade to MSC.

MSC has witnessed a remarkable 54 per cent increase in its fleet on this trade route, adding 488,000 TEU, which accounts for nearly half of the overall one million TEU capacity injection since February 2023.