The launch of a groundbreaking operational partnership between two maritime giants aims to reshape sustainable shipping.
The "Gemini Cooperation" between Denmark's Maersk and Germany's Hapag-Lloyd is rethinking global shipping. The companies are pooling resources and integrating their fleets to deliver a fast, flexible, and interconnected ocean network with industry-leading reliability and sustainability.
Ships began phasing into the new network in February, and the entire fleet is anticipated to be on Gemini schedules by June. Once the network is fully phased in, it's expected to achieve reliability above 90%, per Offshore Energy.
The fleet will consist of around 340 vessels, many ready to adopt cleaner fuels, with a combined capacity of 3.7 million TEUs — that's shipping lingo for a "twenty-foot equivalent unit," i.e., the size of a standard shipping container.
In a traditional shipping route, a container might stop at several ports before arriving at its destination. A delay at one port can delay the entire journey by days. The Gemini network employs a "hub and spoke" structure that uses "hub" ports and shuttles to bypass congestion for faster cargo movement.
The shipping industry is essential for global trade, moving around 80% of the world's goods. It's also a major source of heat-trapping air pollution, responsible for around 3% of harmful carbon pollution. The industry's carbon pollution has increased by 20% over the last decade, according to a U.N. report.
The Gemini Cooperation will optimize routes, enabling faster transit times, minimizing congestion, and reducing layover times. Fewer disruptions also mean fewer delays for customers.
Reducing port calls and optimizing vessel utilization aligns with broader industry trends toward greener practices, per House of Shipping. These improvements will reduce emissions, creating a more resilient and sustainable supply chain.
The partnership will also explore transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as biofuels, methanol, and hydrogen-powered ships. Currently, 99% of the fuel used for shipping comes from dirty oil-based fossil fuels.
The Gemini Cooperation represents a cleaner vision for the future of global shipping.
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"Over the last year, we have carefully planned this to ensure that all our customers experience a smooth transition into the new network. With its innovative design, we believe our customers will benefit from increased reliability, flexibility, and more competitive products," said Johan Sigsgaard, Chief Product Officer of Ocean at Maersk, per Offshore Energy.
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