Port of Felixstowe therefore not part of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s shared network, which is due to start from February
Shipping companies Maersk Line and Hapag-Lloyd have announced that DP World’s London Gateway will handle all ocean freight services into and out of the UK that form part of their new partnership.
In January 2024, the two lines unveiled Gemini, a long-term ocean freight collaboration for east-west trades. This comes into effect on 1 February 2025.
The announcement means that the port of Felixstowe will not be part of the operators’ shared network.
Both companies said they had worked together to review all of the ports and terminals used by both companies.
“During this optimisation process and our review of the Asia-Europe services, we have concluded that London Gateway is the most optimal port to serve our customers importing/exporting cargo to/from the UK,” they stated.
“This strategic decision comes as part of the ambition to reduce network complexity with mostly single operator loops and fewer port calls per service, and is aimed at enhancing reliability, reach, and speed for our customers.”
The change only affects Asia–Europe trades under the Gemini cooperation. The previously announced Middle East–Europe (London Gateway) and Trans-Atlantic (Southampton) Gemini services remain unchanged.
Maersk added: “The rest of our own operated services outside the scope of the Gemini Cooperation also remain unchanged.”
