The two liner giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will launch their Gemini Cooperation on 1 February using the Cape of Good Hope network, as the latest indication is that the Red Sea crisis shows no signs of abating.
Shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has successfully completed the setup of its East-West service network 2025.
A key component of this new network is the “Gemini Cooperation”, which will officially launch on February 1, 2025, in partnership with A.P. Moller-Maersk.
In a joint statement, the two companies have now declared, “Together we decided after thorough consideration to plan to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, as we believe that in light of the safety and well-being of our seafarers, our vessels and the cargo of our customers this is the only viable option now. We will return to the Red Sea when it is safe to do so.”
The new network will comprise 29 mainliner services and 28 intraregional shuttle services. The collaboration aims to achieve industry-leading schedule reliability of over 90% once fully phased in.
“We’ve added complementary feeder ports to enhance our network coverage. This will optimize routes and improve connectivity in specific markets, giving our customers more options and better service,” said German container firm Hapag-Lloyd.
To remind, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have signed an agreement for a new long-term operational collaboration called “Gemini Cooperation”, which will start in February 2025.
The fleet of the new partnership will consist of around 340 vessels, many ready to adopt cleaner fuels, with a total standing capacity of ~3.7 million.
