Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Unveil “Gemini Cooperation” Network Options Amid Red Sea Concerns

Maersk A/S and Hapag-Lloyd AG have released an update on their upcoming “Gemini Cooperation,” a long-term operational collaboration set to launch on February 1, 2025.

The partnership aims to deliver a flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading schedule reliability exceeding 90 percent once fully implemented.

With approximately five months until the launch, the companies have shared finalized service maps and network evolution details. Notably, they are presenting an alternative Cape of Good Hope network due to ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea.

“We are pleased that we now can give our customers full transparency about how we will deliver a best-in-class ocean network so they can begin planning despite a highly dynamic situation,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd.

The collaboration is prepared for two scenarios: a return to the Red Sea route or continued use of the alternative Cape of Good Hope route. The companies will continue monitoring the situation closely, with a decision on the network selection expected in October. “We will return to the Red Sea when it is sufficiently safe to do so,” Maersk said in a statement.

The new network will consist of either 27 or 29 ocean mainliner services, supported by 30 intraregional shuttle services, comprising between 300 and 340 vessels, depending on the final route selection.

The network will center around hubs aimed at achieving the highest levels of productivity and reliability. Many of these hubs will be owned or managed by Hapag-Lloyd/HGT or APM Terminals.

“We believe our collaboration will raise the bar for reliability to the benefit of our customers and set a new and very high standard in the industry,” said Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk.

As part of their participation in the Gemini Cooperation, Hapag-Lloyd will exit THE Alliance at the end of January 2025, coinciding with the termination of the 2M Alliance by Maersk and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company.

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