Gemini Cooperation launches operations; key focus on schedule reliability
Gemini Cooperation, which has been jointly planned and implemented by Hapag-Lloyd AG (Hapag-Lloyd) and Maersk A/S (Maersk), an A.P. Moller-Maersk company, commenced operations on February 1, 2025. The ambition is to deliver a fast, flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability of over 90% once fully phased in. By June 2025, all vessels are expected to operate according to the new schedule.
“Launching the new network is a great opportunity for all of us. With our targeted schedule reliability, we will satisfy one of our customers’ most important needs even better and set a new quality standard in the industry,” explained Mr Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. “Together with our operating partner Maersk, we are focused on delivering on our 90% schedule reliability promise.”
The Gemini network will also set new industry standards in terms of sustainability and advance the companies’ ongoing decarbonisation efforts. “Thanks to our effective hub & spoke operating system, we can deploy larger vessels and thus simultaneously optimise speed, reduce idling times, thereby cutting down on carbon emissions. All of this saves our customers a lot of time and resources,” he said.
Key facts about the new hub & spoke network
* 57 services
* 3.7 m TEU capacity
* Around 340 vessels
* 29 mainliners
* 28 inter-regional shuttles (Europe:13; Asia:10; Middle East:4; Americas: 1)
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“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,” said Mr Johan Sigsgaard, Chief Product Officer of Ocean at Maersk.
The transition period is expected to last until late May, with vessels phasing into the new network and out of the expiring agreements that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have with other carriers. June will be the first full month in which the network is fully phased in with all vessels sailing on Gemini schedules.
As announced in October 2024, the Gemini network will re-route via the Cape of Good Hope. The partners will continue to closely monitor and analyse the latest developments and their impact on the security situation in the Red Sea and only return to the Red Sea once it is safe to do so, said a release.
Source: Exim News Service: Copenhagen, Feb. 3