The Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will add Port of Antwerp as a direct port call on its Europe–Far East network, restoring direct connectivity for Belgium’s major gateway. The updated service rotation is scheduled to begin in March 2026.
The move ends the previous reliance on transshipment via Tangier and brings Antwerp back into the mainline rotation between Northern Europe and Asian ports. Industry analysts say this adjustment will benefit shippers with more efficient routing options, eliminate the need for intermediate handling, and help strengthen Antwerp’s role as a vital connection point on the East–West trade corridor.
Antwerp’s inclusion follows broader enhancements to the Gemini network, which has been refining its service patterns since its launch to better balance schedule reliability with coverage across key global trade lanes. The addition of Antwerp aligns with carriers’ efforts to optimize port calls and improve competitiveness amid dynamic freight demand conditions.
Shippers and logistics partners are encouraged to check updated schedules directly with carriers to account for the revised rotation and plan cargo flows accordingly.