[MSK]Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are entering into operational cooperation – Update Jan 17, 2024

Hapag-Lloyd AG and Maersk A/S, under A.P. Moller-Maersk, have entered into a long-term operational collaboration called the “Gemini Cooperation,” set to begin in February 2025. This partnership aims to create a flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability and efficiency. The collaboration will involve a fleet pool of approximately 290 vessels, with a combined capacity of 3.4 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units). Maersk will contribute 60% of the fleet, while Hapag-Lloyd will provide 40%.

The cooperation is designed to enhance service quality, improve transit times, and deliver a schedule reliability of over 90% once fully implemented. Customers will benefit from better connectivity across major port-to-port corridors and access to some of the world’s most well-connected ocean hubs. The partnership will also support the companies’ shared goals of decarbonization, with Maersk targeting net-zero emissions by 2040 and Hapag-Lloyd by 2045.

As part of this new venture, Hapag-Lloyd will exit THE Alliance by January 2025, while Maersk will end its 2M alliance with MSC in the same month. Throughout 2024, both companies will carefully transition from their current alliances to the Gemini Cooperation, ensuring continuous service to their customers.

The Gemini Cooperation will cover seven major trade routes, including Asia to the US West and East Coasts, Asia to the Middle East, Asia to the Mediterranean, Asia to North Europe, and Transatlantic routes. The cooperation will feature 26 mainline services, supported by a global network of 32 dedicated shuttle services centered around transshipment hubs in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Gulf of Mexico. These shuttle services will provide fast and flexible connections between hubs and ports, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the network.

Key Point:

📦 Operational Cooperation Start: Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have signed an agreement for a new long-term operational cooperation named “Gemini Cooperation,” set to begin in February 2025. This partnership aims to deliver a flexible and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability.
🚢 Fleet Pool Composition: The cooperation will involve a fleet of around 290 vessels, with a total capacity of 3.4 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). Maersk will contribute 60% of the fleet, and Hapag-Lloyd 40%, leveraging their combined global networks and terminal presence.
🌍 Global Trade Coverage: “Gemini Cooperation” will cover seven key trade routes: Asia to the US West Coast, US East Coast, Middle East, Mediterranean, North Europe, Middle East to India/Europe, and Transatlantic. This broad coverage highlights the extensive reach of the partnership.
🛳️ Mainline and Shuttle Services: The cooperation will include 26 mainline services, complemented by a global network of shuttle services. These shuttle services will be strategically located, including 14 in Europe, 4 in the Middle East, 13 in Asia, and 1 in the Gulf of Mexico, to provide fast and flexible connections between key hubs and ports.
📈 Schedule Reliability Target: The cooperation aims to achieve a schedule reliability rate of over 90% once fully operational. This target is supported by strong governance and contractual obligations.
💼 Strategic Partnership Goals: The collaboration aims to improve service quality for customers, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate the decarbonization of the maritime industry.
🔄 Transition from Existing Alliances: Hapag-Lloyd will exit THE Alliance by January 2025, and Maersk will end its 2M alliance with MSC in the same month. The transition to the new cooperation will be carefully managed to ensure uninterrupted customer service.
🌱 Decarbonization Commitment: Both companies are committed to ambitious decarbonization targets, with Maersk aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040 and Hapag-Lloyd by 2045.
🏢 Governance and Management: The cooperation will be managed by dedicated operational teams from both companies, with a strong governance model ensuring the ambitious targets are met.
🔍 Further Details Pending: More information about the “Gemini Cooperation,” including specific operational details, will be released closer to the start date.

Full article: https://www.maersk.com/news/articles/2024/01/17/maersk-and-hapag-lloyd-are-entering-into-an-operational-cooperation