Hapag-Lloyd and A.P. Moller-Maersk are rerouting another of their shared Asia-Europe services through the Red Sea, marking the second such move in recent months, according to Ship & Bunker.
The two carriers announced a structural change to their Gemini SE4 service, which will now transit the Red Sea rather than continue sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, Hapag-Lloyd said in an emailed update reported by Ship & Bunker on Monday. The Berlin Maersk will be the first vessel to sail westbound under the new routing.
Faster Connection Cited as Reason
According to Ship & Bunker, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk stated that the Red Sea route offers a more direct and faster connection between Asia and Europe compared with the Cape of Good Hope diversion. The companies also reiterated that the safety of crews, vessels and cargo remains their top priority, and said they will continue monitoring the situation in the region, as reported by Ship & Bunker.
Second Service to Return via Suez
This is not the first Gemini Cooperation service to head back toward the Red Sea corridor. Ship & Bunker notes that the move follows a similar decision in July, when the carriers returned their AE15 service — which connects Asia with the Mediterranean and Europe — via the Suez Canal.
The Gemini Cooperation itself was launched in 2024 as a long-term operational partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, under which the two lines share vessel capacity across their joint network, according to Ship & Bunker.
Does This Matter to You?
Shifts in routing between the Cape of Good Hope and the Red Sea/Suez Canal directly affect voyage distances, transit times and fuel consumption patterns on Asia-Europe trade lanes. As more carriers reassess their routing decisions, bunker demand and consumption volumes along these corridors can shift accordingly, with potential knock-on effects for fuel availability and pricing at ports along both routing options.
The source material does not specify further operational details, cost impacts, or a timeline for when other Gemini Cooperation services might follow this pattern. Any broader implications beyond what Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have stated remain unclear based on available reporting.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
