In a landmark development for global shipping, Maersk A/S, an entity under A.P. Moller – Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd AG are set to launch their operational collaboration, Gemini Cooperation, in February 2025. This partnership aims to deliver a flexible and interconnected ocean network boasting industry-leading schedule reliability of over 90 percent once fully phased in.
Since their initial announcement of this long-term collaboration in January 2024, the two maritime giants have been diligently working to finalize the operational details. The collaboration will see the formation of a joint ocean freight network focusing on East-West trades. With just five months to the launch, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have shared updated information on the finalized service maps and the evolution of the network since the initial announcement.
In response to ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, the companies are also presenting an alternative Cape of Good Hope network option. This addition underscores their commitment to reliability, connectivity, and sustainability, offering their customers transparency to begin planning amid a dynamic operational environment.
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming launch: “We are looking forward to the launch of our completely redesigned network next year. We are pleased to reconfirm that our schedule reliability target remains unchanged regardless of which network we will phase in. Our collaboration aims to set a new high standard for reliability, benefiting our customers and elevating industry expectations.”
Vincent Clerc, CEO of Maersk, also emphasized the significance of the upcoming launch: “We are excited to reveal our new network next year. Our schedule reliability target remains firm, and we believe our collaboration will raise the bar for industry standards, offering enhanced reliability for our customers.”
The Gemini Cooperation: Network Options and Specifications
The Gemini Cooperation will introduce two network options, each tailored to meet the evolving needs of global shipping:
- Trans-Suez Network:
- Fleet: Approx. 300 vessels
- Capacity: 3.4 million TEU
- Services: 57 services (27 mainliners, 30 shuttles)
- Note: This option reflects the previously announced plan with 58 services and 32 shuttles.
- Cape of Good Hope Network:
- Fleet: Approx. 340 vessels
- Capacity: 3.7 million TEU
- Services: 59 services (29 mainliners, 30 shuttles)
About A.P. Moller – Maersk
A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is a global leader in logistics, dedicated to connecting and simplifying supply chains worldwide. Operating in over 130 countries with around 100,000 employees, Maersk manages a fleet of approximately 700 vessels with a total capacity exceeding 4 million TEU. The company, which includes APM Terminals with 60 ports and terminals across 33 countries, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 through advanced technologies and low-emission fuels.
About Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, operates a fleet of 287 modern container ships with a total capacity of 2.2 million TEU. The company’s extensive network includes 114 liner services connecting over 600 ports globally. With a strong presence in Terminal & Infrastructure, Hapag-Lloyd holds equity stakes in 20 terminals across multiple continents and employs around 2,900 staff in this segment, complementing their core liner shipping operations.
This strategic collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd signifies a pivotal advancement in ocean freight, promising unparalleled reliability and efficiency for global shipping stakeholders.
Source A.P. Moller – Maersk