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We are pleased to share that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are announcing a structural change to one of the Gemini services, the AE15 service; it will now sail via the trans-Suez route instead of transiting via the Cape of Good Hope. The first sailing will be the Majestic Maersk.
This joint decision with Hapag-Lloyd comes following thorough assessments of the security situation in the Red Sea area, and marks a step towards a gradual return to the trans-Suez corridor.
This means that for AE15, that connects Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe, will have the rotation:
Qingdao – Kwangyang - Ningbo - Tanjung Pelepas – Port Said - Damietta - Colombo – Singapore
More efficient transit times
The Suez Canal is a vital maritime corridor between East and West and a key driver of efficient global supply chains. The route through the Suez and the Red Sea is the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient way to serve customers with transport between Asia and Europe.
By making this structural change to the AE15 service, where it will transition it to the trans-Suez corridor instead of sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, we will offer more efficient transit times for customers.
Next Steps
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will continue to monitor the security situation in the Middle East region very closely, and any alteration to services within the Gemini Cooperation will remain dependent on the ongoing stability in the Red Sea area and the absence of any escalation in conflicts in the region.
The safety of the crew, the vessels, and customers’ cargo remains the highest priority.
Should the security situation deteriorate, which may necessitate reverting individual sailings or the wider structural change of the service back to the Cape of Good Hope route, we have contingency plans in place.
When we are ready to make further changes to the Gemini network, we will inform you accordingly.
Need more information?
If you have any questions about these changes and how it may impact your supply chain and business, please contact us. Our teams are standing by and ready to assist.