The Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd is set to merge two intra-Asia shuttle services, resulting in the removal of Shanghai from the revised service rotation. The change is aimed at improving schedule reliability and creating a more consistent service structure.
The existing A04 service will be discontinued, with its cargo coverage incorporated into an enhanced A14 service. The final A04 sailing will be operated by the 4,250-TEU Seaspan Lingue, departing Dalian on September 23.
The current A04 rotation covers Dalian–Tianjin–Busan–Shanghai, while A14 currently operates Tianjin–Tanjung Pelepas–Singapore–Xiamen–Busan. The revamped A14 will operate a rotation of Tianjin–Tanjung Pelepas–Singapore–Xiamen–Tianjin–Dalian–Busan.
The revised service will begin with the eastbound departure of the 5,000-TEU Ute from Tianjin on September 26, followed by the redeployed Seaspan Lingue on September 29. The changes will also reduce Gemini’s Busan calls from two per week to one.
The restructuring further strengthens the strategic importance of Tanjung Pelepas as a Gemini transshipment hub. While Maersk did not specifically cite Shanghai congestion as the reason for the change, persistent vessel queues and high yard utilisation at Shanghai and neighbouring Ningbo have contributed to schedule disruptions in recent months.
For shippers, the removal of Shanghai means cargo previously connected through the port will need to be handled through the revised network, while Gemini expects the consolidated structure to provide greater reliability and more consistent connectivity between North China and Southeast Asia.