NOW that the OOIL takeover is a done deal, Cosco has sketched out on its website how it intends to deploy its new holding, Hong Kong's Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL).

"COSCO SHIPPING Lines and OOCL will continue operating independently under the dual-brand strategy and seeking for synergy," said its website statement.

"The sales and customer service systems will remain. Meanwhile, back office functions such as cost control will be optimised step by step to improve operational efficiency and level of services."

Cosco and OOCL will "maintain existing operational models and management channels", Cosco stated. Cosco also said no changes will occur among Ocean Alliance partners to the ports of calling, schedules and slot arrangements.

"Based on adequate daily communications, both liners will make their own decisions on freight rates independently based on their own business strategy/policy and characteristics of their respective service products, and maintain their own pricing and approval systems respectively," said Cosco.

OOCL will continue to issue bills of lading independently while the two companies will continue to use their own container fleets with no changes to their appearance. The two companies will maintain independent accounting systems and adopt their own credit terms.