• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
06 Jul 2026
We are pleased to share that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are announcing a structural change to one of the Gemini services, the AE15 service; it will now sail via the trans-Suez route instead of transiting via the Cape of Good Hope. The first sailing will be the Majestic Maersk.
This joint decision with Hapag-Lloyd comes following thorough assessments of the security situation in the Red Sea area, and marks a step towards a gradual return to the trans-Suez corridor.
This means that for AE15, that connects Asia, the Mediterranean and Europe, will have the rotation:
Qingdao – Kwangyang - Ningbo - Tanjung Pelepas – Port Said - Damietta - Colombo – Singapore
The Suez Canal is a vital maritime corridor between East and West and a key driver of efficient global supply chains. The route through the Suez and the Red Sea is the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient way to serve customers with transport between Asia and Europe.
By making this structural change to the AE15 service, where it will transition it to the trans-Suez corridor instead of sailing around the Cape of Good Hope, we will offer more efficient transit times for customers.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will continue to monitor the security situation in the Middle East region very closely, and any alteration to services within the Gemini Cooperation will remain dependent on the ongoing stability in the Red Sea area and the absence of any escalation in conflicts in the region.
The safety of the crew, the vessels, and customers’ cargo remains the highest priority.
Should the security situation deteriorate, which may necessitate reverting individual sailings or the wider structural change of the service back to the Cape of Good Hope route, we have contingency plans in place.
When we are ready to make further changes to the Gemini network, we will inform you accordingly.
If you have any questions about these changes and how it may impact your supply chain and business, please contact us. Our teams are standing by and ready to assist.
Why did Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd make this decision?
The joint decision between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd comes following thorough assessments of the security situation in the Red Sea area. With this decision, the Gemini Cooperation takes a step towards a gradual return to a trans-Suez network.
Does Maersk and Hapag Lloyd have further plans to change other Gemini services?
No, we do not currently have further plans to change other Gemini services.
Is this an indication that Maersk is phasing-in any other full services via the Suez corridor?
At this point we have no specific timeline. Whilst this change is a significant step forward, we are not at a point where we are considering a wider East-West network change back to the trans-Suez corridor – and therefore also not considering a full East-West network change.
Does Maersk offer any solutions in the form of insurance?
Yes, we offer Maersk Cargo Insurance. Customers can benefit from our insurance policy that covers most types of cargo, from warehouse-to-warehouse with greater ease of not just buying it but also processing it. Maersk Cargo Insurance offers sought-after comprehensive ‘all-risk’ insurance coverage for loss or damage to their cargo, getting first-party cargo insurance coverage that responds to losses without the need to prove carrier negligence, enabling more efficient claims settlement.
