Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd Join Forces for Enhanced Maritime Services

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are forging a lasting collaboration, named Gemini Cooperation, to enhance maritime services amid supply chain disruptions like traffic restrictions in key canals. Their aim is to streamline fleet operations, establishing a global network with improved schedules, reduced transit times, and a lower environmental footprint. The network is set to debut in early February 2025.

Maersk has unveiled the Gemini Cooperation, a strategic alliance with Hapag-Lloyd, forming a fleet pool of approximately 290 vessels with 3.4 million TEUs combined capacity.

Maersk will contribute 60% of the fleet, while Hapag-Lloyd will provide 40%. The Gemini Cooperation plans to achieve a schedule reliability exceeding 90%, promising improved service quality, reduced transit times, and a lower carbon footprint. This initiative, set to launch in early February 2025, represents a strategic move to address challenges in the supply chain and replace existing alliances.

Operating on seven global trade lanes, the collaboration will offer 26 mainline services and a global network of dedicated shuttles centered around transshipment hubs. This approach aims to facilitate fast connections and flexible capacity for port-to-port corridors, providing enhanced connectivity between major ocean hubs.

Additionally, the Gemini Cooperation aligns with Maersk’s integrator strategy, offering customers greater flexibility with multi-modal transport options, including road, rail, barge, or air in addition to ocean transport.

The alliance signifies a commitment to meet customer needs while emphasizing sustainability efforts to accelerate industry decarbonization. The partners plan a smooth transition from their current alliances to the new operational cooperation, ensuring uninterrupted services to customers during the shift.