In a statement the German containershipoperator noted the agreement is non-binding but acknowledged it means the partiesare moving into “the next phase” of the proposed alliance.

“The talks between Hapag-Lloyd and CSAVabout combining the container liner shipping activities of CSAV withHapag-Lloyd are going into the next phase,” it said.

“Both companies have signed a memorandumof understanding (MoU) which is not binding.