DP World Welcomes First Ship Under Gemini Cooperation’s Transatlantic Service

DP World Southampton has welcomed MV Leonidio, the first vessel to arrive under the Gemini Cooperation, a partnership between shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd aimed to improve East-West shipping network reliability.

The vessel arrived at Southampton on February 3, 2025, as part of its first rotation on the Gemini Transatlantic AL1/AT3 service.

After departing Southampton, it will call at Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven, in Europe before crossing the Atlantic to reach New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Saint John in North America.

First announced in January 2024, the Gemini Cooperation will strengthen schedule reliability by reducing port calls in mainliner services and implementing a hub-and-spoke network design to make supply chains more efficient.

The collaboration will eventually involve around 340 vessels, forming a shared Maersk-Hapag-Lloyd ocean network.

According to Gary Jeffreys, Managing Director of Maersk UK & Ireland, the launch of the Gemini ocean network follows over a year of planning and preparation.

He stated that logistics must adapt to challenges like geopolitical tensions and climate change, adding that partnerships with terminal operators like DP World will help improve schedule reliability.

Cameron Bowie, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd UK & Ireland, said the cooperation’s goal is to achieve over 90% schedule reliability by summer 2025. He added that success depends on more than just ships and schedules- it also relies on strong partnerships with ports and terminals.

DP World’s London Gateway will now handle all Middle East-Europe and Asia-Europe services as part of the Gemini Cooperation, while transatlantic services will continue at Southampton.

The first vessel on the Asia-Europe route is expected to arrive at London Gateway in the coming weeks.

Ernst Schulze, CEO of Ports and Terminals at DP World UK, stated that Gemini’s decision to entrust DP World with these services highlights the company’s supply chain capabilities, operational reliability, and connectivity.

DP World has also launched weekly ‘Insight Days’ at London Gateway, where new customers can learn about its four deep-sea berths, rail terminal, and the UK’s largest port-adjacent logistics park.

Reference: Container News, indiashippingnews

Source: Maritime Shipping News