Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Launch Gemini Cooperation to Set New Standards in Container Shipping
The container shipping industry is undergoing significant changes with the launch of the Gemini Cooperation by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd on February 1, 2025. This partnership aims to achieve over 90 % schedule reliability through an innovative hub-and-spoke network.
The network will utilize around 340 vessels and operate 57 services, including 29 mainline routes and 28 intraregional shuttles, with a total capacity of 3,7 million TEU, focusing on East-West trade routes.
Источник: REUTERS
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it will address a key customer need for reliability and set a new industry standard. The transition to the new network will continue until late May 2025, with full operations starting in June 2025.
Alliances Reshuffle
This move marks a major shift in global shipping alliances. Maersk and MSC are ending their 2M Alliance after a decade, while Hapag-Lloyd exits THE Alliance to form Gemini Cooperation. Following Hapag-Lloyd’s departure, Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming Marine Transportation will establish the Premier Alliance, focusing on East-West trade routes between Asia, North America, and Europe. This five-year partnership is set to launch in February 2025, pending approval from the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
Meanwhile, MSC, the world’s largest shipping line with a 20% market share, plans to operate independently.
Security and Routing
Due to security concerns in the Red Sea, the Gemini network will reroute vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, a decision announced in October 2024. Routes through the Red Sea will only resume once security conditions improve.
New Industry Landscape
In this reshaped market, the Ocean Alliance—comprising CMA CGM, Evergreen, Cosco, and OOCL — emerges as the market leader. Meanwhile, Gemini Cooperation will operate the fewest weekly sailings among major alliances in 2025.
Johan Sigsgaard, Chief Product Officer of Ocean at Maersk, emphasized the careful planning behind the transition, ensuring a smooth shift for customers. He noted that the new network’s innovative design will offer increased reliability, flexibility, and more competitive products.
