COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Global shipping heavyweights Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have officially launched their joint ocean network, Gemini Cooperation, marking a significant shift in the container shipping landscape. With an ambitious target of delivering schedule reliability above 90%, the new alliance sets a fresh course for a more resilient and interconnected global supply chain.
As of February 1, the phased rollout of Gemini has begun, with an initial wave of 340 vessels gradually entering service. The first departures are now underway, and additional vessels will steadily integrate into the network in the coming months. By June, the transition will be complete, with all ships operating under the newly designed schedules.
Johan Sigsgaard, Chief Product Officer of Ocean at Maersk, emphasized the meticulous preparation behind the launch. “We are now ready to commence the phase-in of the new network. Over the last year, we have carefully planned this to ensure that all our customers experience a smooth transition into the new network. With its innovative design, we believe our customers will benefit from increased reliability, flexibility, and more competitive products,” he stated.
The Gemini Cooperation is built on 29 mainline ocean services, spanning key East-West trade routes, and reinforced by 28 agile intraregional shuttle services. This structure is designed to enhance efficiency while maintaining the adaptability needed to navigate an increasingly complex global shipping environment.
While Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd chart their new course, they are also winding down existing agreements with other carriers. The transition period, expected to last until late May, involves a strategic phasing out of prior commitments before full-scale Gemini operations commence in June.
The introduction of this network is not just about route optimization—it signals a broader industry shift toward consolidation and enhanced operational control. By leveraging their combined strengths, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd aim to create a more predictable and resilient supply chain, addressing longstanding concerns over congestion, delays, and service inconsistencies.
For shippers, the promise of greater reliability and flexibility couldn’t come at a better time. With global supply chains still recovering from pandemic-era disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating freight rates, a streamlined network like Gemini could offer much-needed stability.
The industry will be watching closely as Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd navigate the early phases of this collaboration. If the Gemini network delivers on its promise, it could set a new benchmark for operational efficiency in container shipping, reshaping the competitive landscape for years to come.
