Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk will introduce a series of service adjustments to their jointly operated Gemini network in 2026, following one year of operations that the partners say delivered schedule reliability of at least 90 percent.
The revised service structure, set to take effect in April 2026, includes changes across the Far East to North Europe and Far East to Mediterranean trades, aimed at refining port coverage and strengthening transit times.
Far East to North Europe revisions
On the North Europe corridor, NE2 will add a direct call at Antwerp, expanding access to Benelux and inland European cargo flows.
NE3 will introduce a Baltic rotation with calls at Aarhus and Gothenburg, while Southampton will become the final European outbound call to Asia. In Asia, the service will replace Ningbo with Yantian to enhance coverage in South China.
NE4 will revert to its previous rotation without the Baltic loop, now covered by NE3. The adjustment is expected to improve direct connections between Ningbo and German ports.
Mediterranean network adjustments
In the Mediterranean, SE1 will add Algeciras in both westbound and eastbound directions, improving links to Spain and the Adriatic region.
SE3 will be upgraded to 20,000 TEU vessels and will operate a simplified rotation designed to enhance reliability. Istanbul and Izmit will be served via dedicated shuttle services, while calls at Port Said East and the new hub terminal in Damietta are included in the revised loop.
Previously announced adjustments on the Transpacific and Transatlantic routes remain unchanged.
The partners also indicated that services currently operating outside the Red Sea may return to Suez Canal routings at a later stage, subject to operational conditions. Further details are expected to be communicated to customers in due course.
