Full steam ahead for Gemini Cooperation as shipping lines announce plan to ‘phase in’ Gemini Cooperation by February 2025
Shipping lines Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have effectively abandoned any immediate return to the Red Sea after they said they would “phase in” a new network of vessels and services from Europe to Asia around southern Africa.
In early September, the companies announced they would work together on alternative routes amid ongoing disruption caused by Houthi attacks earlier this year in the Gulf region.
“After thorough consideration, and given the continued safety concerns in the Red Sea, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk confirm that they expect to phase in their Cape of Good Hope network for the commencement of the Gemini Cooperation on 1 Feruary 2025,” a statement from Maersk read.
In its own announcement, Hapag-Lloyd said: “The safety and wellbeing of our seafarers, our vessels, and the cargo of our customers are key, and we expect to return to the Red Sea once it is safe again.”
In an effort to restore schedule reliability following the past year’s disruption, the groups say they will establish a Cape of Good Hope network that includes 29 international services supported by 28 regional shuttles, operated by a fleet of 340 vessels with total capacity of 3.7mn TEU.
“This ensures a broad port coverage and industry-leading schedule reliability of above 90 per cent once the Gemini Cooperation is fully phased in,” Hapag-Lloyd added.
