The following release was published by Maersk:
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have decided to change the routing of one of the shared services under the Gemini Cooperation. From mid-February 2026, a structural change will be implemented to Maersk’s ME11 service, transitioning it through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The transfer of the ME11 marks a key milestone, enabling more efficient transit times for customers.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will continue to monitor the security situation in the Middle East region very closely, and any alteration to the Gemini service will remain dependent on the ongoing stability in the Red Sea area and the absence of any escalation in conflicts in the region. The safety of the crew, the vessels, and customers’ cargo remains the highest priority, and all necessary security measures will be applied for vessels transiting the area. Contingency plans are in place should the security situation deteriorate, which may necessitate reverting individual sailings or the wider structural change of the ME11 service back to the Cape of Good Hope route.
When possible, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will also implement changes to AE12 and AE15 services to go through Red Sea and the Suez Canal at a later stage. In this respect, further information to customers and other relevant stakeholders will follow in due course. No further changes to the Gemini network related to the Red Sea are foreseen at this time.
Transitioning to the trans-Suez corridor ME11:
For ME11, these changes will be implemented on westbound sailings as of vessel Albert Maersk, voyage 605W, en route from Jebel Ali to India and expected to call the port of Mundra, departing from Mundra on 04 February 2026. On eastbound sailings as of vessel Astrid Maersk, voyage 605E, departing Valencia, Spain on 03 February 2026.
Source: Maersk