Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a major routing change under their Gemini Cooperation, with one service between Asia, Saudi Arabia, the Mediterranean and Europe set to resume transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.
The carriers will replace the current routing around the Cape of Good Hope following an assessment of the security situation in the Red Sea region. The move marks a step towards a gradual return to the trans-Suez corridor and is expected to reduce transit times between Asia and Europe.
Maersk identifies the service as AE19, while Hapag-Lloyd refers to it as SE4.
The revised routing takes effect immediately, beginning with the westbound sailing of Berlin Maersk on voyage 628W. The vessel will also operate the first eastbound sailing on voyage 637E.
Under the revised rotation, Berlin Maersk voyage 628W will call at Xingang – Qingdao – Busan – Ningbo – Shanghai – Tanjung Pelepas – Jeddah – Suez Canal – Port Said – Tangier – Port Said – Suez Canal – Jeddah – Singapore – Xingang.
The carriers said the Red Sea routing will provide a more direct and efficient connection between Asia and Europe, offering customers shorter transit times compared with the Cape of Good Hope route.
Hapag-Lloyd, however, emphasised that safety remains the priority and that the security situation in the Red Sea will continue to be closely monitored. The carrier indicated that further routing adjustments could be made depending on developments in the region.