Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are expanding the return of their Gemini Cooperation network to the Suez Canal, with four additional services set to move from the Cape of Good Hope route to trans-Suez operations.
The carriers said the AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 services will use the Suez Canal in both directions. They will join the AE15 and AE19 services, which are already operating via the canal.
Context: Hapag-Lloyd · Red Sea · Suez Canal
AE5 connects Asia and Northern Europe, while AE11 and AE12 link Asia with the Mediterranean. The ME2 service connects India and Europe. The changes represent a further restoration of the partners’ Red Sea and Suez network after a prolonged period in which major container lines diverted vessels around southern Africa.
Operational context
The first westbound departures are due later this month. Antonia Maersk is scheduled to sail from Tanjung Pelepas on the AE11 service on September 19, followed by Marchen Maersk on AE5 on September 21 and Cornelia Maersk on ME2 on September 24. Maersk said the timing of the first AE12 sailing would be announced later.
Maersk said using the Suez Canal would reduce voyage times compared with routing vessels around the Cape of Good Hope. The company described the Suez and Red Sea corridor as the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient route for Asia-Europe transport.
The latest changes build on a phased return by the Gemini partners. The AE15 Asia-Mediterranean service had previously resumed Suez Canal transits and subsequently added a call at Jeddah, bringing the service directly into the Red Sea. Maersk’s separately operated MECL service, linking India, the Middle East and the US East Coast, has also returned to the route.
The expansion comes amid renewed concern over regional security. Iran-aligned Houthi forces have strengthened their position along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key chokepoint for shipping entering and leaving the Red Sea. At the same time, Iran continues to restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Since late 2023, Houthi attacks have led most major container carriers to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope. The diversions have added thousands of miles to Asia-Europe voyages and reduced traffic through the Suez Canal.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said their latest deployment plans remain dependent on conditions in the region. They will continue to monitor the security situation, with any further network changes contingent on continued stability in the Red Sea and no additional escalation.
Maersk said the safety of crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains its highest priority.