Gemini Cooperation

Gemini replaced the 2M alliance and bet that reliability, not just low cost, can win shippers, a promise importers can test against their own arrival data. Maersk and MSC ended 2M in January 2025, and Hapag-Lloyd left THE Alliance to join Maersk in a network of about 340 ships, with Maersk providing around 60% of capacity. Gemini runs 29 mainline services calling at fewer hub ports, plus 28 shuttle services for regional distribution. Early Sea-Intelligence data showed it near 90% reliability while the industry averaged under 60%. For importers, steadier arrivals can support lower safety stock and tighter inbound appointments.

• Lead TimeTime from purchase order to sellable stock
• Safety StockExtra stock that covers demand and lead time swings
• Contract RateFreight price locked in for a set term

• A.P. Møller1876–1965 · Founder of the Maersk shipping group
• Gianluigi Aponteb. 1940 · Founder of MSC

• Ocean Carrier Alliance Realignment2017 · Three alliances come to dominate east-west trades
• MSC Overtakes Maersk2022 · MSC becomes the largest container line by capacity
• EU Consortia Block Exemption Expiry2024 · EU ends a competition law exemption for carriers

• Shipping Act of 19161916 · Created the US Shipping Board and regulated carriers
• EU Repeal of the Liner Conference Block Exemption2006, effective 2008 · Ended EU antitrust immunity for liner conferences

1. Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk launch Gemini (Hansa) hansa.news
2. New alliances begin to impact containership schedule reliability (Maritime Executive) maritime-executive.com