The recently unveiled Gemini Cooperation between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd has sent ripples through the shipping industry, as it is expected to cause shifts in power dynamics among container shipping alliances.
The two companies have already disclosed initial details about their collaborative network, with the expectation that numerous adjustments will be made before the final version is established.
Gemini Cooperation’s new network will cover the following seven trades:
- Asia – US West Coast
- Asia – US East Coast
- Asia – Middle East
- Asia – Mediterranean
- Asia – North Europe
- Middle East / India – Europe
- Transatlantic
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd aim to have 26 mainline services, which will be complemented by a global network of dedicated shuttles centred around owned and/ or controlled trans-shipment hubs – thereof 14 shuttle services in Europe, 4 in the Middle East, 13 in Asia and 1 in the Gulf of Mexico. These shuttle services are expected to offer a fast connection with flexible capacity between hubs and ports served by shuttle services, and vice versa.
Both ocean carriers will be able to flexibly adjust their operations outside the network to scale capacity in line with their customers’ needs, according to a joint statement.