The Gemini cooperation, formed by Denmark’s Maersk and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd, has decided to reroute its joint Gemini service through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The two carriers will replace the current route around the Cape of Good Hope.
Maersk identifies the service as AE19, while Hapag-Lloyd refers to it as SE4.
The service connects Asia with Saudi Arabia, the Mediterranean, and Europe.
According to the companies, they agreed on this structural change after assessing the security situation in the Red Sea region. The decision also represents a step towards a gradual return to the Suez transit corridor.
Maersk will operate the first westbound sailing under the revised route on voyage 628W. The vessel will also operate the first eastbound sailing on voyage 637E. The change takes effect immediately, beginning with the westbound sailing.
Schedule for Maersk Berlin 628W
Maersk Berlin voyage 628W is scheduled to call at the following ports:
Xingang – Qingdao – Busan – Ningbo – Shanghai – Tanjung Pelepas – Jeddah – Suez Canal – Port Said – Tangier – Port Said – Suez Canal – Jeddah – Singapore – Xingang
The carriers said that the Red Sea route provides a more direct and efficient connection between Asia and Europe. As a result, customers are expected to benefit from shorter transit times compared with the Cape of Good Hope route.
Safety Remains Hapag-Lloyd’s Priority
Hapag-Lloyd nevertheless stressed that safety remains its highest priority. The company will continue to monitor developments in the region, and further changes may be made if the security situation evolves.
