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Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are switching their ME1 Gemini service from the Cape of Good Hope to the Suez Canal, shortening the sailing route between India and Europe while keeping further service changes dependent on stability in the Red Sea.
The carriers describe the move as a structural change to the service. The first westbound departure under the revised routing is Atlanta Express, voyage 644W, scheduled to leave Salalah on 4 November. The first eastbound departure is Savannah Express, voyage 644E, scheduled to leave Tangier on 13 November.
The announcement covers ME1 and does not set out changes to other Gemini services.
Revised rotation retains Indian and European calls
ME1 connects the Indian ports of Mundra and Nhava Sheva with European gateways. Under the revised rotation, vessels will sail from Mundra to Nhava Sheva and Salalah before passing through the Suez Canal.
The westbound service will then call at Tangier, Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg and London. The return leg runs through Algeciras and Tangier before another Suez Canal passage, followed by Salalah and Mundra.
The revised rotation therefore uses the canal in both directions, replacing the longer passage around southern Africa.
Shorter route brings transit time gains
For cargo moving between India and Europe, the operational change centres on a more direct sailing route through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
The carriers say the switch will offer more efficient transit times. Their announcement does not specify how many days shipments will save or provide revised port arrival schedules beyond the initial departure details.
It also gives no figures for changes in fuel consumption, emissions or freight costs. The stated customer benefit is a shorter route and improved transit times.
Security remains a condition for service changes
Both carriers say they will continue to monitor the security situation in the Middle East closely. Any alteration to services within the Gemini Cooperation remains dependent on continued stability in the Red Sea area.
The companies identify the safety of crews, vessels and customers’ cargo as their highest priority as ME1 moves to the revised corridor.
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