Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will return four more Gemini Suez route services through the Red Sea, expanding their use of the corridor despite continuing security concerns.
The Gemini Cooperation partners said the AE5, AE11, AE12 and ME2 services would resume transits through Bab El Mandeb and the Suez Canal.
The routes serve North Europe and Mediterranean destinations. Maersk said shifting the services away from the longer Cape of Good Hope route would improve transit times for customers.
The carriers also cited mounting congestion at ports in Asia and Europe as part of the reason for the change. The four services will join AE15 and AE19, which were already using the Red Sea and Suez Canal corridor.
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The AE15 recently made its first call at DP World’s Jeddah South Container Terminal with the 19,000-TEU Morten Maersk. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said they would continue monitoring security conditions in the region.
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Maersk added that any further changes within the Gemini Cooperation would depend on continued stability in the Red Sea and the absence of renewed escalation.
