Maersk expands Gemini network overhaul

Maersk has announced a broad series of changes across the Gemini network, including the launch of the AE18 service and revised rotations for AE2, AE11, AE12, AE19 and ME2.

The changes follow the structural rerouting of Gemini’s Asia–Mediterranean services through the Suez Canal. They will reshape the network’s coverage of North Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Sri Lanka and the Adriatic.

The new AE18 will operate alongside AE19 to consolidate West Mediterranean hub coverage. The wider configuration will also support connections from Asia to West Africa and the East Coast of Latin America.

Maersk introduces AE18 service

The AE18 will consolidate the Tangier and Algeciras coverage previously provided through AE2, AE12 and AE11 while introducing a direct call at Xiamen.

The new rotation will be:

Shanghai – Xiamen – Tanjung Pelepas – Algeciras – Tangier – Algeciras – Xiamen

Maersk Edirne, operating voyage 647W, will inaugurate the service from Shanghai on 22 November 2026.

AE2, AE11 and AE19 rotations revised

The AE2 service will replace its westbound Tangier call with Rotterdam, providing an additional connection from Ningbo and Shanghai to the Dutch port.

The revised arrangement will begin with Moscow Maersk voyage 646W, departing Ningbo on 15 November 2026.

AE11 will add a westbound call at Salalah and replace its westbound Tangier call with Port Said. Estelle Maersk voyage 647W will be the first affected sailing, departing Shanghai on 17 November.

AE19 will replace Shanghai with Nansha and add Damietta to its rotation. The changes will begin with Ane Maersk voyage 647W, departing Xingang on 18 November.

Jeddah added to ME2

Maersk will add Jeddah to the eastbound leg of its ME2 service, creating a new direct connection from North Europe to Saudi Arabia.

The revised ME2 rotation will be:

Ennore – Colombo – Suez Canal – Algeciras – Rotterdam – London Gateway – Hamburg – Tangier – Suez Canal – Jeddah – Colombo

Maersk Tukang voyage 649E will be the first affected sailing. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Jeddah on 20 December 2026.

The new call will provide direct connectivity to Saudi Arabia from Rotterdam, London Gateway and Hamburg.

Colombo transfers from AE15 to AE12

Maersk will also transfer the Colombo call from AE15 to AE12, creating a connection between the Adriatic ports of Koper and Rijeka and Sri Lanka.

The revised AE12 rotation will be:

Ningbo – Shanghai – Tanjung Pelepas – Suez Canal – Port Said East – Koper – Rijeka – Port Said East – Suez Canal – Colombo – Singapore

Alva Maersk voyage 652E will be the first vessel to operate the revised rotation, with an estimated arrival in Colombo on 12 January 2027.

Cargo moving through Colombo will gain access to onward connections covering South India and Bangladesh.