New shipping network from Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd is to begin on 1 February
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s new operational shipping network collaboration, Gemini Cooperation, is set to launch tomorrow (1 February).
According to the shipping giants, the aim of the collaboration is to deliver a ”flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading schedule reliability” above 90 per cent once fully phased in.
Around 340 vessels will be phased in and be a part of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s shared ocean network, with the first sailings taking place on 1 February and more vessels gradually sailing on the new schedules.
”We are now ready to commence the phase-in of the new network,” said Johan Sigsgaard, chief product officer of ocean at Maersk.
”Over the last year, we have carefully planned this to ensure that all our customers experience a smooth transition into the new network.
”With its innovative design, we believe our customers will benefit from increased reliability, flexibility and more competitive products,” he noted.
The two companies said that the transition period is expected to last until late May, with vessels phasing into the new network, and out of the expiring agreements that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have with other carriers.
June will be the first month in which the network is fully phased in, with all vessels sailing on Gemini schedules.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s shared network covers East/West trades and will consist of 29 ocean mainliner services supported by a network of 28 intraregional shuttle services.
“Launching the new network is a great opportunity for all of us,” explained Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd.
”With our targeted schedule reliability, we will satisfy one of our customers’ most important needs even better and set a new quality standard in the industry.
“Together with our operating partner Maersk, we are focused on delivering on our 90 per cent schedule reliability promise,” he said.
The Gemini network will, Habben Jansen outlined, also set new industry standards in terms of sustainability and advancing the companies’ ongoing decarbonisation efforts.
“Thanks to our effective hub and spoke operating system, we can deploy larger vessels and thus simultaneously optimise speed, reduce idling times, and thereby cutting down on carbon emissions,” he added.
“All of this saves our customers a lot of time and resources.”
