Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have confirmed that they will begin transiting the Red Sea and Suez Canal with one shared service under their Gemini Cooperation.
This marks a cautious and controlled adjustment to current routings, following prolonged diversions via the Cape of Good Hope.
ME11 Service to Switch from Mid-February
The service in scope is the ME11, which connects India and the Middle East with the Mediterranean.
From mid-February, routing changes will be implemented as follows:
- Westbound sailings: from vessel Albert Maersk
- Eastbound sailings: from vessel Astrid Maersk
All Red Sea transits on this service will be secured by naval assistance, reflecting the carriers’ continued focus on safety and risk mitigation.
Further Services Under Consideration
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have also confirmed that, when possible, they intend to implement similar routing changes for additional Asia–Mediterranean services at a later stage:
- Maersk services: AE12 and AE15
- Hapag-Lloyd services: SE1 and SE3
No specific timings have been confirmed for these services, and carriers have stated that further information will be shared with customers and relevant stakeholders in due course.
At this stage, no further Red Sea-related changes to the wider Gemini network are foreseen.
Focus on Reliability and Security
The carriers have emphasised that the transition will be carried out in a way that minimises disruption for customers, while maintaining the Gemini Cooperation’s focus on schedule reliability.
They have also reiterated that the safety of crew, vessels, and cargo remains the highest priority, with the security situation in the Middle East being monitored continuously. Any further routing decisions will remain dependent on ongoing stability in the Red Sea region and the absence of escalation.
About the Gemini Cooperation
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd launched their operational collaboration, the Gemini Cooperation, on 1 February 2025. The network currently covers:
- 29 shared mainliner services
- 29 shared shuttle services
- Operating across East–West trade routes
What This Means for Shippers
While this announcement does not represent a full return to Red Sea transits, it does indicate a measured, service-by-service approach to reassessing routes where conditions allow.
Routing, transit times, and surcharges will continue to depend on individual services and sailing schedules, and customers should expect carriers to retain flexibility as conditions evolve.
Beckchoice will continue to monitor developments closely and keep customers informed of any changes that may affect shipments.
References
- Maersk & Hapag-Lloyd – Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to transit Red Sea with one Gemini service, official carrier announcement, 3 February 2026
https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2026/02/03/hapag-lloyd-and-maersk-to-transit-red-sea-with-one-gemini-service - Hapag-Lloyd – Gemini Cooperation service update
https://www.hapag-lloyd.com/en/services-information/news/2026/02/gemini-cooperation-red-sea-update.html
Information correct at time of writing and subject to change.