Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced that they will utilize the Cape route when launching the “Gemini Collaboration Project” on February 1, 2025, highlighting the ongoing threat to vessels and crews in the Red Sea region.
This decision is the latest indication of the unresolved crisis in the Red Sea, with Iran-backed Houthi forces having launched a campaign against shipping since almost a year ago, in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In early September, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd outlined two potential scenarios for the launch of the Gemini project based on conditions in the Red Sea: either resuming Red Sea routes or continuing to use the Cape route as an alternative.
“In a joint statement, following thorough consideration and given ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region, Hapag-Lloyd AG and Maersk A/S confirm that they expect to gradually introduce the Cape network when launching the Gemini collaboration on February 1, 2025,” the companies said.
“Due to the highly dynamic situation, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk will return to the Red Sea as soon as it is safe to do so.” The statement added.
The Cape network will include 29 mainline services supported by 28 feeder connections. It will deploy approximately 340 vessels with a total capacity of 3.7 million TEUs.
The collaboration aims to achieve industry-leading on-time performance exceeding 90%, ensuring efficient and flexible service once fully implemented, along the East-West trade lanes. This is planned through a hub-and-spoke model centered around strategic “hub” ports—many owned or operated by Hapag-Lloyd/HGT or APM Terminals—with feeder services connecting these hubs to “spoke” ports.
The decision to opt for the longer Cape route underscores the emphasis on safety. “Following thorough consideration, the implementation of the Cape network is due to ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea region. Given the current geopolitical situation and the need to ensure the safety of our personnel, we have determined that this route is the only viable option at present,” the companies stated.
As part of their participation in the Gemini collaboration, Hapag-Lloyd will exit THE Alliance by late January 2025, aligning with Maersk and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company’s termination of the 2M Alliance.
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Source: gCaptain
