With less than two months to go before the Gemini Cooperation launches its first sailings, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a significant change to their Asia-North Europe services.
Felixstowe, previously scheduled as a UK port of call, will be replaced by London Gateway.
Under the original Gemini network plan, four Asia-North Europe service strings—AE1, AE2, AE3, and AE5—were set to include three UK calls, specifically on the AE1, AE3, and AE5 routes. However, following a detailed review of the network, the shipping giants have concluded that London Gateway offers a more optimal solution for customers importing and exporting cargo to and from the UK.
London Gateway offers a more optimal solution for customers importing and exporting cargo to and from the UK
In a recent customer advisory, Maersk stated that this adjustment is part of a broader effort to simplify the network by reducing operational complexity. The new approach focuses on single-operator loops and fewer port calls per service, aiming to improve reliability, connectivity, and speed for their clients.
As a result, Felixstowe will no longer feature in the Gemini network, which is jointly operated by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. This strategic shift underscores the companies' commitment to streamlining operations and enhancing the overall customer experience as the Gemini Cooperation prepares to launch.
“Gemini choosing London Gateway for their Asia-Europe and Middle East-Europe services is a testament to the investments we’ve made to build an advanced, world-class logistics hub,” said Ernst Schulze, chief executive of Ports & Terminals, DP World in the UK.
“London Gateway is setting new benchmarks for accessibility and efficiency in the UK market, ensuring our customers remain competitive in a fast-changing global economy.”
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