Gemini adds Suez string, eyes full Suez return by Q1

· Logistics · Denmark · Germany

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a further redesign of the Gemini Cooperation's Asia-Mediterranean network, reorganizing its regional hub-and-spoke model and adding a new weekly Suez string. The changes are slated for introduction over the second half of November, as the two carriers aim for a full resumption of Suez transits by the first quarter. The shift comes as traffic through the Red Sea recovers: weekly scheduled capacity passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait reached 48% of pre-Houthi attack levels last week, according to Xeneta. Carriers diverted Asia-Europe services around the Cape of Good Hope after attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, lengthening voyages and tightening vessel capacity. A broader return to Suez would shorten transit times and free up tonnage on Asia-Europe and Asia-Mediterranean trades.

Why it matters：A durable Suez return would reset voyage times and effective capacity on the world's main east-west trades, pressuring freight rates that carriers have defended by rerouting; how fast Gemini's rivals follow will shape 2027 contract negotiations.

Key points

  • Gemini's Asia-Med network is being reorganized around a hub-and-spoke model, with the new Suez string introduced in the second half of November.
  • Bab el-Mandeb weekly scheduled capacity last week was 48% of pre-Houthi attack levels, per Xeneta.
  • The carriers are targeting a full Suez resumption by Q1.

Sources (original reporting)

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