Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are bringing Gemini services back to routes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal after avoiding the corridor for nearly three years due to security concerns in the Red Sea. The network restructuring covers AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2, reducing reliance on routes around the Cape of Good Hope.
The return to the Suez Canal is a significant signal of growing confidence in the Asia-Europe shipping corridor. Meanwhile, Spain’s Port of Algeciras will play a larger role, serving as a port call on three of the four restructured services.
Gemini Expands Services Through the Suez Canal
Gemini Cooperation, established by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, has restructured its network connecting Asia, India and Europe to bring services back to the Red Sea-Suez Canal route instead of routing around the Cape of Good Hope.
The services affected are:
- AE5 – connects Asia with Northern Europe
- AE12 – connects Asia with the Mediterranean
- ME2 – connects India with Europe
- AE11 – connects Asia with the Mediterranean but does not call at Algeciras
Together with AE15 and AE19, which already operate through the Suez route, the changes will increase the number of Gemini services using the Suez Canal.
Algeciras Gains a More Important Role
The restructuring will strengthen Algeciras as an important hub in Gemini’s European network.
AE5
The revised service links Qingdao, Ningbo and Tanjung Pelepas through the Suez Canal to London, Bremerhaven, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Algeciras before returning to Asia.
AE12
Algeciras will have two calls on the service. Vessels will travel from Asia through the Suez Canal to Algeciras, then continue to Koper and Rijeka in the Adriatic before returning to Algeciras and heading back through the Suez Canal to Asia.
ME2
The service from Ennore and Colombo will pass through the Suez Canal to Algeciras, making it the first European port of call before continuing to Rotterdam, London and Hamburg.
AE11
Although AE11 will not call at Algeciras, it will continue to serve major Spanish ports including Tanger Med, Valencia and Barcelona, as well as ports in Italy.
Return to Suez Could Reduce Asia-Europe Transit Times
Returning to the Suez Canal can significantly shorten the sailing distance compared with routing around the Cape of Good Hope, potentially reducing transit times and improving schedule efficiency between Asia and Europe.
For exporters and importers, the Suez route could improve transit time planning and supply chain efficiency, particularly for shipments moving between Asian and European markets.
Security Remains a Key Consideration
Despite the return of Gemini services to the Suez route, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd continue to closely monitor the security situation in the Middle East.
Future changes to Gemini services will depend on continued stability in the Red Sea and the absence of any further escalation in regional conflicts. The safety of crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains the companies’ top priority.
Positive Signal for Asia-Europe Container Shipping
Gemini’s decision to resume Suez Canal services represents an important development for the container shipping industry. The move could bring Asia-Europe shipping closer to more traditional routing patterns after a prolonged period of diversions around the Cape of Good Hope.
For Algeciras, being included in three Gemini services further strengthens the port’s role as a major connection point between Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Source :
www.reuters.com
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