The Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd is set to enhance maritime connectivity between Asia and the West Mediterranean.
Starting in November, a new service will link Shanghai and Xiamen in China with Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia, and key hubs in the western Mediterranean, including Algeciras and Tangier. The first sailing is scheduled for 22 November aboard the Maersk Edirne.
New Asia-West Mediterranean Service Launch
The new service, designated AE18 by Maersk and SE5 by Hapag-Lloyd, will follow a specific rotation: Shanghai, Xiamen, Tanjung Pelepas, Suez Canal, Algeciras, Port Tangier Med, Algeciras, Suez Canal, and back to Xiamen. This initiative aims to improve connections from Asia to West Africa and the east coast of Latin America.
This launch is part of a broader reshaping of the Gemini network, which will also see changes to existing services AE2, AE11, and AE19 by Maersk, along with revisions to Hapag-Lloyd’s NE1 and SE1-SE4 rotations.
Context of the Gemini Cooperation
As of 12 October, six Gemini services were already utilizing the Red Sea and Suez Canal, although a full network return has not yet been confirmed. Hapag-Lloyd’s CEO, Rolf Habben Jansen, expressed optimism that most services would resume through the Suez Canal by the first quarter of 2027, contingent on stable conditions.
In September, four additional services under Maersk’s naming system were set to transition to the trans-Suez route, further expanding the network’s reach.
Upcoming Changes and Expectations
- First sailing of AE18 on 22 November 2023.
- Potential full network return through Suez by Q1 2027.
- Continued adjustments to existing services AE2, AE11, AE19, NE1, and SE1-SE4.
The new service will significantly enhance trade routes between Asia and the Mediterranean.
