Maersk A/S (Maersk) and Hapag-Lloyd AG (Hapag-Lloyd) have announced their operational collaboration, called Gemini Cooperation, which aims to provide an enhanced ocean network with industry-leading schedule reliability above 90 percent once fully phased in. This collaboration was unveiled in January 2024 and is set to launch in February 2025.
The two companies have been working diligently to finalize the details of their joint ocean freight network on East-West trades. As the launch date approaches, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are excited to share updates on the finalized service maps and how the network has evolved since the initial announcement. In light of ongoing disruptions in the Red Sea, they are also presenting an alternative Cape of Good Hope network to ensure continuity of service.
“Reliability, connectivity, and sustainability are the keywords in the networks we are presenting today,” states a spokesperson for the collaboration. “We are pleased to offer our customers full transparency on how we will deliver a best-in-class ocean network, enabling them to plan effectively in a highly dynamic environment.”
The Gemini Cooperation is expected to announce the selected network that will be implemented in February 2025 in October 2024. Despite the network chosen, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a schedule reliability target above 90 percent, setting a new standard of excellence in the industry.
Depending on the network selection, the collaboration will consist of either 27 or 29 efficient ocean mainliner services supported by an extensive network of 30 agile, intraregional shuttle services. The fleet will comprise either 300 or 340 vessels, providing significant capacity for cargo transportation.
The two network options, the Trans-Suez Network and the Cape of Good Hope Network, offer varying vessel capacities and service structures to cater to different trade routes and customer needs. The Trans-Suez Network includes approximately 300 vessels with a 3.4 million TEU capacity and 57 services, while the Cape of Good Hope Network features around 340 vessels with a 3.7 million TEU capacity and 59 services.
A.P. Moller – Maersk, a global leader in logistics services, operates in over 130 countries and employs around 100,000 people worldwide. With a fleet of 700 owned and chartered vessels and a total capacity of more than 4 million TEU, Maersk is committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2040 through the adoption of new technologies, vessels, and low-emission fuels.
Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, boasts a fleet of 287 modern container ships with a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU. With around 13,700 employees and offices in 140 countries, Hapag-Lloyd offers fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports worldwide. The company’s focus on sustainability is evident through its container capacity of 3.2 million TEU and investments in terminal and infrastructure segments.
The collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd represents a significant step forward in the maritime industry, aiming to enhance schedule reliability and service quality for customers. By offering two distinct network options and prioritizing connectivity and sustainability, the Gemini Cooperation is poised to set a new standard for ocean freight operations.