Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced the reinstatement of the Suez Canal routing for their AE15 Gemini Cooperation service, marking the first structural reintegration of a Gemini service into the Red Sea corridor. This adjustment will take effect with the upcoming voyage of the "Majestic Maersk".

The decision follows a comprehensive, risk-based assessment of the prevailing security environment in the Red Sea region and reflects a measured, phased resumption of trans-Suez operations. The AE15 service provides end-to-end connectivity between Asia, the Mediterranean, and Europe. Under the revised port rotation, vessels will call at: Qingdao → Kwangyang → Ningbo → Tanjung Pelepas → Port Said → Damietta → Colombo → Singapore.

Maersk emphasized that the Suez Canal continues to represent the most time-efficient, operationally optimal, and environmentally sustainable maritime corridor between Asia and Europe. Reinstating the AE15 service via the Suez Canal—rather than the alternative Cape of Good Hope route—enables significantly reduced transit times and enhanced supply chain reliability for customers.

Notwithstanding this operational shift, both carriers reaffirmed their ongoing, real-time monitoring of regional security developments across the Middle East. Crew safety, vessel integrity, and cargo security remain their paramount priorities. Robust contingency protocols are fully in place; should security conditions deteriorate, the AE15 service may be temporarily rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope. The carriers further stated that any future adjustments to the Gemini network will be communicated promptly in response to evolving operational and security conditions.

Resource.: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/AVgqD_ZrATGSJZJdGi1amQ