On February 1, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd launched their operational collaboration Gemini Cooperation. The ambition is to deliver a flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading schedule reliability above 90 percent once fully phased in.
The network promises an innovative hub-and-spoke network aimed at improving global shipping’s service reliability and connectivity. With around 340 vessels and a target of over 90% schedule reliability, the network will transform the flow of goods between the East and the West. By June 2025, all vessels will operate under this new framework. The system will also focus on sustainability, using larger vessels to optimize speed and reduce carbon emissions. Services will bypass the Red Sea for safety reasons, rerouting via the Cape of Good Hope.
Johan Sigsgaard, Chief Product Officer of Ocean at Maersk, said:
“We are now ready to commence the phase-in of the new network. 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.”
Hapag-Lloyd’s CEO, Rolf Habben Jansen, added:
“The launch of the Gemini network presents a major opportunity for us to meet one of our customers’ most critical needs—timely, reliable service. Our focus, alongside Maersk, is to ensure the reliability of our schedule, raising the industry’s bar for service quality.” In addition to its operational efficiencies, the Gemini network will also play a pivotal role in driving sustainability within the shipping industry. The hub-and-spoke model allows for the use of larger vessels, optimizing speed and minimizing idle times, which directly reduces carbon emissions—a crucial step in both companies’ decarbonization efforts.”
The new network will consist of 57 services, offering a total capacity of 3.7 million TEUs, supported by 340 vessels. It will include 29 mainliners and 28 inter-regional shuttles, covering regions such as Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
