Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd's Gemini Cooperation plans to resume its ME11 service to the Suez Canal, enhancing connectivity between key regions.
The Gemini Cooperation of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd is preparing to return its ME11 service to the Suez Canal, reported the UK's Seatrade Maritime News.
This move follows Maersk's decision last week to re-route its MECL service through the canal. Neither carrier has denied plans to restore Gemini's first service to the Red Sea and Suez, with industry sources indicating that the ME11 will follow shortly.
The ME11 service connects Middle Eastern and Indian ports with the Mediterranean, calling at Jebel, Salalah, Mundra, and Jawaharlal Nehru before sailing to Tangier, Valencia, and Port Said. Gemini deploys 12 vessels averaging 16,000 TEU on this route.
Analysts had expected services linking India and the Middle East to the Mediterranean to be among the first to abandon Cape of Good Hope diversions, given the longer voyage times compared with Suez transits. A return would also enable calls at Jeddah, currently served by shuttle services JD1, JD2, and JD3.
In a joint statement, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd said discussions continue on when it is considered safe to introduce a trans-Suez network. They pledged that any changes would minimize disruption while maintaining Gemini's reputation for schedule reliability.
