Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are set to resume Red Sea transits on their Gemini Cooperation Indian Ocean Service (IOS), moving away from the longer routing around the Cape of Good Hope, following a review of the regional security situation.
According to Hapag-Lloyd, the revised routing is aimed at providing faster and more efficient connections between Europe and the Middle East. The change will be introduced through selected sailings in November 2026, subject to operational conditions and ongoing security assessments.
Revised Red Sea Routing to Begin with November Sailings
The first scheduled westbound sailing under the revised arrangement will be operated by Atlanta Express (Voyage 644W), which is expected to depart Salalah on 4 November 2026.
For the eastbound service, Savannah Express (Voyage 644E) is scheduled to depart Tangier on 12 November 2026.
Both departure dates are provisional and remain subject to change depending on operational and security conditions.
The revised routing will replace the service’s previous passage around the Cape of Good Hope, potentially reducing transit times and improving connectivity for cargo moving between Europe and the Middle East.
Security Monitoring to Continue
The decision marks a significant operational adjustment within the Gemini Cooperation network as the two carriers reassess routing options amid evolving security conditions in the Red Sea region.
However, the planned change applies specifically to the Indian Ocean Service (IOS) and should not be interpreted as a wider resumption of Red Sea and Suez Canal transits across the entire Gemini network.
Hapag-Lloyd has emphasised that the safety of crew, vessels and cargo remains its priority. Both carriers will continue to monitor developments in the region and communicate any further operational changes to customers.
The phased return to the Red Sea corridor signals a cautious shift in shipping route planning, with the carriers balancing transit efficiency and schedule reliability against continuing regional security risks.