Ports

Gemini Alliance Expands Suez Route with Four Additional Asia-Europe Services

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, operating through the Gemini Cooperation, are routing four more Asia-Europe services through the Suez Canal on westbound headhaul sailings. The AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 services will transit via Suez rather than circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope, joining the AE15 and AE19 services already on that corridor. The carriers cite faster transit times and improved supply chain efficiency as key drivers for the shift. The 15,150 teu Antonia Maersk will lead AE11 departures from Tanjung Pelepas on September 19. The 18,000 teu Marchen Maersk follows on the AE5 on September 21. The 8,650 teu Cornelia Maersk will launch ME2 operations from Colombo on September 24. The alliance characterizes the Suez-Red Sea corridor as the fastest and most sustainable routing for Asia-Europe connectivity.