By Eva Richardson – The Logistic News
March 21, 2025 – In a major development for UK maritime logistics, DP World London Gateway has officially received its first vessel under the Gemini Cooperation, further enhancing supply chain efficiency and sustainability. The Maersk Stadelhorn, part of the Gemini ME2/IEX India-Europe service, arrived at London Gateway following the inaugural Gemini vessel call at DP World Southampton on February 3, 2025.
DP World: A Key UK Logistics Hub
DP World is reinforcing its role as a critical logistics gateway, managing major UK ports in Southampton and London Gateway. With multimodal transport links, seamless global connectivity, and advanced supply chain solutions, DP World is positioning itself as the cornerstone of the UK’s trade infrastructure.
The Gemini Cooperation: Reshaping Global Shipping
The Gemini Cooperation, a strategic alliance between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, launched in February 2025 with the goal of enhancing trade routes, improving service reliability, and optimizing sustainability in maritime logistics.
The partnership is set to revolutionize global container shipping with:
- A fleet capacity of 3.7 million TEU
- 57 international services connecting major trade hubs
- Optimized vessel efficiency to streamline cargo movement
- Sustainable operations reducing overall emissions
In its first month of operation, Gemini Cooperation achieved 90% service reliability, demonstrating its potential to create more agile and resilient global supply chains.
Strategic Advantages for the UK’s Trade Network
The arrival of Gemini vessels at DP World’s deep-sea container terminals in London Gateway and Southampton signals a major logistics transformation for the UK.
Ernst Schulze, UK CEO for Ports & Terminals at DP World, emphasized the significance of this milestone:
“The arrival of the Maersk Stadelhorn highlights Gemini Cooperation’s confidence in DP World’s UK container terminals. The Asia-Europe service strengthens international trade routes, reinforcing our ambition to make London Gateway the UK’s largest container port within five years.”
Maritime Efficiency: The Key to Supply Chain Optimization
Efficiency is central to modern maritime logistics, ensuring cost-effective, timely, and environmentally responsible trade flows. The Gemini Cooperation is enhancing efficiency in global shipping through:
- Advanced route planning and scheduling to prevent bottlenecks and maintain supply chain reliability.
- Smart logistics hubs and port automation to boost throughput and minimize handling times.
- Digitalization and AI-driven real-time tracking to improve operational transparency.
Sustainability and the Future of Global Shipping
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the Gemini Cooperation is leveraging larger, more efficient vessels to reduce emissions per TEU. DP World is playing a crucial role in this initiative by:
- Optimizing vessel turnaround times to minimize energy consumption.
- Consolidating operations at strategic UK ports to create more reliable, eco-friendly logistics solutions.
- Investing in smart port technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Impact on Global Trade and Logistics
The Gemini Cooperation is poised to transform global supply chains by:
- Strengthening trade connectivity between Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
- Reducing costs and improving logistics efficiency at major shipping hubs like London Gateway and Southampton.
- Enhancing global trade resilience by streamlining vessel movements and minimizing disruptions.
Gary Jeffreys, Managing Director of Maersk UK & Ireland, commented on the new partnership:
“It is fantastic to see our new network come to life in the UK. London Gateway will play a crucial role in ensuring our services remain flexible, reliable, and well-adjusted to modern supply chain needs.”
Cameron Bowie, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd UK & Ireland, added:
“The Middle East and India trade lanes have seen tremendous growth, and Hapag-Lloyd has been at the forefront of this expansion. With the new Gemini Cooperation, our strong partnership with DP World continues to strengthen, ensuring more efficient, sustainable trade flows.”
DP World: The Future of UK Trade
With Gemini’s UK-bound cargo routed through DP World’s advanced ports, the company is set to:
- Expand its logistics network to accommodate growing global trade demand.
- Attract further investment in smart port technologies to drive operational efficiencies.
- Establish London Gateway as a central hub for international container traffic.
As the Gemini Cooperation scales up operations, its partnership with DP World will set new standards in maritime logistics, improving trade efficiency, reducing emissions, and creating a more resilient supply chain network.
For the latest insights on global trade, shipping alliances, and supply chain innovation, stay connected with The Logistic News.
Eva Richardson
Senior Journalist, The Logistic News
