Gemini Cooperation

Shipping Arabia, November 11, 2026 – Gemini’s return to the Suez Canal is testing the ability of Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to improve network efficiency while maintaining operational resilience. As the partners gradually restore services through the Red Sea, shorter voyages are creating new opportunities for fleet deployment, port connectivity and schedule optimization.

On November 2, the two carriers announced plans to reroute their India-Europe service (IOS/ME1) through the Red Sea. The decision adds another connection to the growing number of Gemini services using the Suez Canal instead of the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope.

However, the operational benefits extend beyond reducing sailing distances. The partners are also adjusting service rotations and connections through key transshipment hubs. These changes will test whether Gemini can achieve greater efficiency without creating new vulnerabilities should regional security conditions deteriorate.

Shorter Voyages Create New Fleet Deployment Opportunities

One of the most immediate potential benefits of returning to the Suez Canal is the reduction in sailing distances. For weekly container services, shorter round-trip voyages could also reduce the number of vessels required to maintain regular departures.

For example, a weekly service with a 70-day round-trip duration would theoretically require 10 vessels. Reducing that duration to 63 days could allow the carriers to maintain the same weekly frequency with nine vessels.

This example illustrates the potential operational advantages of shorter routes. However, it does not represent a specific forecast for IOS/ME1. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have not disclosed the revised round-trip duration, the number of vessels currently allocated to the service or any plans to reduce its fleet requirements.

The carriers therefore have several options for utilizing any capacity released by shorter voyages. They could redeploy vessels to other trade lanes or retain additional capacity to support schedule recovery. Alternatively, they could adjust sailing speeds and port turnaround times.

Each option carries different commercial and operational implications. Consequently, Gemini’s return to the Suez Canal could provide additional flexibility without necessarily resulting in an immediate reduction in vessel deployment.

Salalah and Tanger Med Retain Key Roles in Gemini’s Network

The rerouting of IOS/ME1 forms part of a broader restructuring of Gemini’s service network.

On October 19, Maersk announced additional network enhancements, including the introduction of the AE18 service and adjustments to AE2, AE11 and AE19. These changes involve more than route optimization, as they also redistribute port calls and transshipment functions across the network.

Under the revised arrangements, AE2 will replace its westbound call at Tanger Med with Rotterdam. Meanwhile, AE11 will add a westbound call at Salalah and replace Tanger Med with Port Said. The new AE18 service will cover certain calls at Tanger Med and Algeciras previously served by other services.

These adjustments are particularly relevant to IOS/ME1, which retains Salalah and Tanger Med in its updated rotation. Both ports will therefore continue to play important roles in connecting India and Europe, even as Gemini reorganizes its wider network.

Salalah gains an additional role through AE11 while maintaining its existing IOS/ME1 connection. Conversely, Tanger Med will lose calls from AE2 and AE11 but remain part of the network through IOS/ME1 and AE18.

The changes reflect a redistribution of network functions rather than a comprehensive shift toward or away from individual ports. Changes in vessel calls alone cannot determine future cargo volumes, transshipment activity or market shares.

Instead, the operational significance lies in how the revised network connects mainline services with transshipment hubs. The challenge will be to improve connectivity without making cargo movements increasingly dependent on specific connection windows.

Feeder Connectivity Will Determine Commercial Benefits

Gemini’s hub-based operating model relies heavily on coordination between mainline vessels and feeder services. While the Suez Canal can reduce time at sea, the resulting benefits depend on what happens once containers reach transshipment ports.

A vessel may arrive earlier at a hub without delivering a meaningful improvement in cargo transit times if the onward feeder departure remains unchanged. Similarly, a missed connection or delay at the transshipment port could offset the time saved during the mainline voyage.

Conversely, even a modest reduction in sailing time could generate significant commercial benefits if containers connect with an earlier onward service.

This distinction highlights the importance of assessing end-to-end cargo transit times rather than focusing exclusively on vessel sailing times. For customers, the value of a shorter route ultimately depends on whether their shipments reach their destinations faster and more reliably.

The network adjustments announced in October indicate that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are reorganizing these connections alongside their routing decisions. However, sufficient data is not yet available to quantify the resulting improvements.

A comprehensive assessment would require updated origin-to-destination schedules, connection times between services and actual operational performance following implementation.

Red Sea Security Remains Central to Contingency Planning

Security conditions remain a critical factor in Gemini’s return to the Suez Canal. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have indicated that further routing decisions will depend on developments in the Red Sea.

The carriers’ latest statements regarding ME1 emphasize that the safety of vessels, crews and cargo will remain the primary consideration in future operational adjustments.

This creates a practical challenge for network planning. A service designed around Suez Canal transits has different voyage durations and scheduling requirements from one operating around the Cape of Good Hope.

Should security conditions require another diversion, the carriers may need to accommodate longer voyages, revise departure schedules or deploy additional vessels to maintain service frequency.

Retaining reserve vessel capacity could make it easier to switch between the two routes. However, maintaining that flexibility could also limit the immediate efficiency gains associated with shorter voyages.

Alternatively, redeploying surplus vessels could improve fleet utilization while reducing the capacity available to respond to future disruptions.

The cost of maintaining alternative routing options, together with continuing security risks, therefore remains an important uncertainty during the transition.

Measuring the Success of Gemini’s Return to the Suez Canal

The success of Gemini’s evolving strategy will depend on actual operational performance rather than simply the number of announced Suez Canal transits.

A key indicator will be the realized transit times and schedule reliability of IOS/ME1 following its rerouting through the Red Sea. The quality of connections through Salalah and Tanger Med will provide another measure as the wider network adjustments take effect.

Changes in vessel deployment and service frequencies could also reveal how the partners are utilizing the operational flexibility created by shorter routes.

Meanwhile, developments in port capacity could provide additional context. However, these should be assessed alongside changes affecting other carriers and trade lanes rather than attributed exclusively to Gemini.

The latest rerouting decision signals continued progress toward a network with a greater reliance on the Suez Canal. Nevertheless, it does not demonstrate that the transition is complete or that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have already achieved measurable capacity savings.

For the two partners, the central operational test remains whether shorter routes, revised transshipment arrangements and effective contingency planning can coexist without compromising the schedule reliability that Gemini was designed to deliver.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, November 9, 2026 – Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced plans to reroute their Gemini Indian Ocean Service (IOS) through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, replacing the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope. The decision follows an assessment of regional security conditions and represents another adjustment to the carriers’ Gemini Cooperation network.

The revised routing will apply to selected sailings during November 2026, subject to operational conditions. According to Hapag-Lloyd, the change aims to provide faster and more efficient maritime connections between Europe and the Middle East.

The announcement reflects the carriers’ continued evaluation of shipping routes amid evolving regional security developments. However, the adjustment applies specifically to the Gemini Indian Ocean Service and does not represent a complete return of the Gemini Cooperation network to the Red Sea.

Gemini Indian Ocean Service to Resume Suez Canal Routing

Under the revised arrangement, the Gemini Indian Ocean Service will transit the Red Sea and Suez Canal instead of following the longer diversion around southern Africa.

The decision follows a review of the prevailing security situation in the region. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd identified the Red Sea corridor as a more efficient routing option for cargo transportation between Europe and the Middle East.

By replacing the Cape of Good Hope diversion, the carriers aim to provide shorter transportation options and improve the efficiency of their container shipping connections.

The revised routing forms part of the ongoing assessment of operational arrangements within the Gemini Cooperation network. Both carriers continue to evaluate route options in response to regional developments.

Atlanta Express and Savannah Express Assigned to Initial Sailings

The first westbound sailing under the revised Gemini Indian Ocean Service routing was scheduled for November 4, 2026.

The vessel Atlanta Express, operating voyage 644W, was expected to depart Salalah, Oman, on that date as part of the service’s return to the Red Sea corridor.

Meanwhile, the first eastbound sailing will be operated by Savannah Express, voyage 644E. The vessel is scheduled to depart Tangier, Morocco, on November 12, 2026.

Both departure dates are provisional and remain subject to operational conditions. The carriers may adjust their schedules depending on developments affecting vessel operations.

These initial sailings establish the planned implementation of the revised routing in both directions, connecting the service’s existing operations with the Red Sea and Suez Canal corridor.

Security Conditions Remain Central to Further Routing Decisions

Despite the announced adjustment, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have not indicated that their entire Gemini Cooperation network will resume transits through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

The decision concerns the Indian Ocean Service specifically, while other network routing arrangements remain subject to separate operational assessments.

Hapag-Lloyd emphasized that crew safety, vessel security and the protection of customers’ cargo remain its highest priorities.

The carrier confirmed that it would continue monitoring developments in the region and communicate any further relevant operational changes to affected customers.

The decision to reroute the Gemini Indian Ocean Service illustrates the carriers’ approach to balancing shipping efficiency with maritime security considerations.

While the Red Sea and Suez Canal offer a shorter connection than the Cape of Good Hope route, implementation of the revised service will remain dependent on operational conditions and continued security assessments.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, October 26, 2026 – Hapag-Lloyd has announced a restructuring of its Asia–Europe container shipping network under the Gemini Cooperation, introducing the new Asia–South Europe 5 (SE5) service alongside revisions to five existing services connecting Asia with Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Hapag-Lloyd SE5 service forms part of a wider network adjustment scheduled to begin in mid-November 2026. The changes cover six services and include revised port rotations, additional calls and improved connections through major Mediterranean hubs.

The restructuring will affect four existing South Europe services, SE1, SE2, SE3 and SE4, as well as the North Europe Express 1 (NE1) service. Implementation will take place progressively, with each service transitioning according to its published sailing schedule.

Hapag-Lloyd SE5 Service to Connect Asia and the Western Mediterranean

The new Hapag-Lloyd SE5 service will establish direct connections between central and southern China and the western Mediterranean. Its rotation will operate through the Suez Canal, calling at Algeciras in Spain and Tanger Med in Morocco.

The service will also provide onward connections to West Africa through Tanger Med, extending access to additional markets through the Moroccan transshipment hub.

The announced port rotation will begin in Shanghai, followed by Xiamen and Tanjung Pelepas. Vessels will then transit the Suez Canal before calling at Algeciras and Tanger Med. The return leg will include a second call at Algeciras, another Suez Canal transit and Xiamen.

The first scheduled vessel will be Maersk Edirne, operating voyage 647W, with a planned call at Shanghai on November 22, 2026.

The new service adds another connection between Asian export markets and western Mediterranean ports within the Gemini Cooperation network, while incorporating both Algeciras and Tanger Med into its operating rotation.

Four South Europe Services Undergo Port Rotation Changes

Alongside the SE5 launch, Hapag-Lloyd will revise its existing SE1, SE2, SE3 and SE4 services. The adjustments will change port coverage across the Mediterranean, including several calls at Egyptian ports and additional connections through Salalah and Colombo.

Under the revised SE1 rotation, Algeciras will be replaced by calls at East Port Said and West Port Said in Egypt. Colombo will also be added to the eastbound rotation, strengthening connections between the Adriatic region, Sri Lanka and the wider Asian network.

The SE2 service will replace its westbound Tanger Med call with Port Said. Hapag-Lloyd will also introduce a westbound call at Salalah in Oman, while maintaining coverage of Valencia, Barcelona, La Spezia, Genoa and Vado Ligure.

Meanwhile, the SE3 service will operate a simplified Mediterranean rotation through Port Said and Damietta in Egypt. As part of the adjustment, the service will discontinue its eastbound call at Colombo.

Further changes will affect SE4, which will add Nansha in southern China while removing Shanghai from its rotation. The service will also introduce a westbound call at Damietta, complementing its existing call at Port Said.

Together, the revised Mediterranean services will alter connections between Asian export markets and Mediterranean ports, with Port Said and Damietta featuring in several of the updated rotations.

The changes also expand the role of regional connecting ports within the network, with additional calls in Egypt and Oman forming part of the revised service structure.

Rotterdam Becomes First European Call on Revised NE1 Service

Hapag-Lloyd will also restructure its North Europe Express 1 (NE1) service, changing the sequence of port calls between Asia and Northern Europe.

Under the revised arrangement, Rotterdam will become the first European port of call, replacing the previous rotation that included Tanger Med. The Moroccan port will be removed from the NE1 service.

The updated rotation will connect Ningbo, Shanghai and Tanjung Pelepas with Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven. The service will then continue through Salalah and Singapore.

The first vessel affected by the revised NE1 schedule will be Moscow Maersk, operating voyage 646W. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Ningbo on November 13, 2026, ahead of the wider network transition.

The NE1 adjustment forms part of the same restructuring program affecting the Mediterranean services, with changes to both the European port sequence and the service’s regional calls.

Phased Implementation From Mid-November

Hapag-Lloyd plans to introduce the network revisions progressively from mid-November 2026 rather than implementing all changes simultaneously.

Each affected service will transition according to its announced sailing schedule, beginning with the revised NE1 rotation and followed by the launch of SE5 later in November.

The overall restructuring combines the introduction of a new Asia–western Mediterranean service with modifications to existing connections across Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and regional transshipment hubs.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, October 25, 2026 – Maersk has announced a major expansion of its Gemini Cooperation network with Hapag-Lloyd, introducing the new AE18 service and revising five existing services across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The changes follow the previously announced rerouting of Asia-Mediterranean services through the Suez Canal.

The Maersk Gemini network expansion will reshape connections serving Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Sri Lanka and the Adriatic. The adjustments cover six services: AE18, AE2, AE11, AE19, ME2 and AE12, with implementation scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027.

The revised network will strengthen coverage at major Mediterranean hubs, introduce new port connections and reorganize existing services. It will also support additional shipping connections from Asia to West Africa and the east coast of Latin America.

Maersk Launches AE18 to Strengthen Western Mediterranean Coverage

The new AE18 service will operate alongside AE19, consolidating Gemini’s existing Western Mediterranean hub coverage. It will replace connections to Tangier and Algeciras previously provided by AE2, AE11 and AE12, while introducing a direct connection from Xiamen, China.

The service will connect Shanghai and Xiamen with Tanjung Pelepas, Algeciras and Tangier before returning through Algeciras and Xiamen.

The full AE18 rotation will be:

Shanghai – Xiamen – Tanjung Pelepas – Algeciras – Tangier – Algeciras – Xiamen.

Maersk Edirne, operating voyage 647W, will inaugurate the new service with a scheduled departure from Shanghai on November 22, 2026.

The introduction of AE18 forms a central part of the network restructuring, allowing Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to reorganize their existing Mediterranean coverage while maintaining connections through the Gemini network.

AE2, AE11 and AE19 Introduce New Port Connections

Alongside the introduction of AE18, Maersk will revise three established Asia-Europe services, with the first changes taking effect in mid-November.

AE2: Additional Rotterdam Connection

The AE2 service will replace its westbound Tangier call with Rotterdam, providing an additional connection from Ningbo and Shanghai to the Dutch port.

Moscow Maersk, operating voyage 646W, will be the first vessel affected by the revised rotation. Its departure from Ningbo is scheduled for November 15, 2026.

AE11: Salalah and Port Said Added to Westbound Coverage

The AE11 service will introduce a westbound call at Salalah, Oman, while replacing its westbound Tangier call with Port Said, Egypt.

The changes will establish additional shipping connections to and from Salalah while strengthening the service’s coverage through Port Said.

Estelle Maersk, voyage 647W, will operate the first affected sailing, departing Shanghai on November 17, 2026.

AE19: Nansha Replaces Shanghai as Damietta Joins the Rotation

The AE19 service will replace its Shanghai call with Nansha, introducing new coverage between the Chinese port and Europe.

In addition, Maersk will add Damietta, Egypt, to the service rotation, expanding the network’s Eastern Mediterranean connections.

The revised arrangements will begin with Ane Maersk, voyage 647W, scheduled to depart Xingang on November 18, 2026.

Together, these adjustments will redistribute existing port coverage across the Gemini network while introducing alternative connections through Rotterdam, Salalah, Port Said and Damietta.

ME2 Adds Jeddah to Connect Northern Europe With Saudi Arabia

Another significant element of the Maersk Gemini network expansion is the addition of Jeddah Islamic Port to the eastbound rotation of the ME2 service.

The change will establish a direct shipping connection between Northern Europe and Saudi Arabia, serving cargo moving from Rotterdam, London Gateway and Hamburg to Jeddah.

The revised ME2 rotation will be:

Ennore – Colombo – Suez Canal – Algeciras – Rotterdam – London Gateway – Hamburg – Tangier – Suez Canal – Jeddah – Colombo.

Maersk Tukang, operating voyage 649E, will be the first vessel affected by the revised service. Its scheduled arrival at Jeddah is December 20, 2026.

The inclusion of Jeddah expands the service’s eastbound coverage and provides an additional direct connection to Saudi Arabia from three major Northern European ports.

AE12 Restores Colombo Connection to Adriatic Ports Through East Port Said

Maersk will also transfer its Colombo call from AE15 to AE12, establishing a shipping connection between Sri Lanka and the Adriatic ports of Koper and Rijeka.

The revised AE12 service will operate through the Suez Canal and East Port Said, connecting Asian origins with the Adriatic before continuing eastbound toward Colombo and Singapore.

The full revised AE12 rotation will be:

Ningbo – Shanghai – Tanjung Pelepas – Suez Canal – Port Said East – Koper – Rijeka – Port Said East – Suez Canal – Colombo – Singapore.

Alva Maersk, voyage 652E, will be the first vessel to operate the revised rotation. The ship is expected to arrive at Colombo on January 12, 2027.

The transfer of Colombo to AE12 will create a connection between Sri Lanka and the Adriatic while providing onward shipping options from Colombo to destinations in southern India and Bangladesh.

The revised rotation will also reinforce the role of East Port Said in connecting Asian cargo flows with Mediterranean and Adriatic destinations through the Suez Canal.

Phased Implementation Across the Gemini Network

The network changes will take effect through a series of scheduled vessel departures and arrivals.

The first adjustments will begin with AE2 on November 15, followed by AE11 on November 17 and AE19 on November 18. The new AE18 service will launch on November 22, completing the initial phase of the Western Mediterranean network restructuring.

The changes will then extend to ME2, with the first affected Jeddah arrival scheduled for December 20, 2026. Finally, the revised AE12 rotation will take effect with the first affected Colombo arrival on January 12, 2027.

The wider network configuration will also support connections from Asia to West Africa and the east coast of Latin America.

Together, the six service adjustments represent a substantial reorganization of Gemini’s Asia-Europe and Middle East network following the rerouting of Asia-Mediterranean services through the Suez Canal.

Source: Al Mal News

Shipping Arabia, October 19, 2026 – Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced the relaunch of the FM1 container shipping service under their Gemini Cooperation network, strengthening maritime connectivity between Asia and the Middle East. The service will provide additional direct ocean connections to Khor Fakkan, supporting shipping customers and regional cargo movements.

The announcement follows Maersk’s decision to restore the FM1 service with a revised port rotation covering major Asian ports and Khor Fakkan. The shipping line confirmed the first scheduled sailing and outlined the operational arrangements that will apply to the relaunched service.

FM1 Service Relaunch: Port Rotation and First Sailing

The relaunched FM1 service will operate the following port rotation:

Qingdao – Ningbo – Tanjung Pelepas – Khor Fakkan – Singapore – Qingdao.

According to Maersk, the first sailing will be operated by MAERSK ATHABASCA, voyage 642W. The vessel was scheduled to depart Qingdao on October 17, 2026, with an expected arrival at Khor Fakkan on November 16, 2026.

The FM1 service relaunch will provide customers with additional direct ocean connectivity to Khor Fakkan, strengthening transport options between Asian markets and the Middle East.

Maersk said it will continue operating across the Middle East while maintaining the necessary precautions. The company also confirmed that existing booking restrictions and cargo acceptance guidelines will remain applicable to the relaunched service.

Inland Logistics Solutions to Support Upper Gulf Connectivity

Alongside the restoration of FM1 ocean services, Maersk will continue using its existing inland logistics solutions to support cargo movements beyond the service’s direct port connections.

These landside transport arrangements will complement the relaunched service and enable the shipping line to maintain its ability to serve customers in the Upper Gulf region.

The combination of direct ocean connectivity to Khor Fakkan and Maersk’s existing inland solutions forms part of the operational arrangements supporting the FM1 service relaunch.

Gemini Cooperation Maintains Security Monitoring

Despite the relaunch, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd emphasized that they will continue closely monitoring the security situation across the Middle East.

The two shipping lines confirmed that any further adjustments to services operating under the Gemini Cooperation network will depend on developments in the region.

Maersk also reaffirmed that the safety of vessel crews, ships, and customers’ cargo remains its highest priority. The company said it remains committed to supporting customers’ supply chains while maintaining the necessary operational precautions.

The FM1 service relaunch therefore proceeds alongside existing booking and cargo acceptance measures, with both carriers retaining flexibility to adjust their Gemini Cooperation services in response to regional security developments.

Source: Al Mal News

Shipping Arabia, October 17, 2026 – Suez Canal container shipping capacity has exceeded half of its pre-Red Sea crisis levels for the first time, reaching its highest level since maritime disruptions began. The recovery follows a series of routing decisions by major container shipping lines, which have accelerated their return to the canal after nearly three years of widespread diversions around the Cape of Good Hope.

According to BIMCO, citing data from Clarksons Research, average weekly container vessel capacity transiting the Suez Canal reached 753,000 TEUs during the first two weeks of October 2026. This compares with 1.46 million TEUs during the corresponding period in 2023, before the Red Sea disruptions significantly affected international shipping routes.

The latest figures indicate a substantial recovery in container shipping activity through the waterway, although transit capacity remains below its pre-crisis level.

Suez Canal Container Shipping Share Rises to 36%

BIMCO reported that 36% of container shipping capacity routed through either the Suez Canal or the Cape of Good Hope used the canal during the first two weeks of October.

This represents a considerable improvement from the average of just 8% recorded between 2024 and mid-2026. However, the figure remains significantly below the approximately 80% share recorded before the Red Sea attacks disrupted shipping operations.

The increase reflects a gradual shift back toward the Suez Canal as container shipping lines revise their service networks. Nevertheless, the figures show that a substantial proportion of capacity continues to operate via the Cape of Good Hope.

Major Shipping Lines Accelerate Return to Suez Canal

The recovery in Suez Canal container shipping began accelerating in July 2026, when Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announced that their AE15/SE3 Asia–Mediterranean service would return to the canal.

Additional adjustments subsequently followed within the Gemini Cooperation network. Meanwhile, members of the Ocean Alliance and Premier Alliance, together with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), announced revised vessel routings.

According to BIMCO, container shipping lines have announced routing changes affecting a total of 16 services since the beginning of July 2026.

These developments have contributed to the recovery in container vessel capacity transiting the Suez Canal, bringing more services back to the waterway after an extended period of diversions.

The recovery has also become more balanced between northbound and southbound sailings.

During the third quarter of 2026, northbound container shipping capacity represented approximately 75% of southbound capacity. That proportion increased to 81% during the first two weeks of October, indicating a narrowing difference between the two sailing directions.

Return to Shorter Routes Could Affect Global Container Capacity

Beyond the increase in canal transits, the return of container shipping services to shorter routes could have significant implications for global vessel capacity and the balance between shipping supply and demand.

BIMCO estimates that widespread diversions around the Cape of Good Hope increased global demand for container shipping capacity by approximately 10%.

The longer routes required additional vessel capacity to maintain shipping operations. However, as more services return to the Suez Canal, the additional capacity demand associated with those diversions is declining.

Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO, highlighted the scale of this change, explaining that the approximately 10% increase in global container shipping capacity demand caused by Suez Canal diversions is now reversing rapidly.

This development could influence the availability of container vessels as shipping lines progressively restore services through the canal.

However, BIMCO cautioned that congestion at Asian ports could delay the full impact of shorter shipping routes on vessel availability and the overall balance between global container shipping supply and demand.

Suez Canal Recovery Remains Incomplete

Despite the improvement recorded during the first half of October, container shipping activity through the Suez Canal has not returned to its pre-disruption levels.

The increase to 753,000 TEUs in average weekly transit capacity, together with the recovery in the canal’s share of container shipping routes, demonstrates the progress made since shipping lines began adjusting their networks in July.

Nevertheless, the comparison with 2023 highlights the remaining gap between current traffic and the levels recorded before the Red Sea crisis.

The latest BIMCO figures therefore point to a continuing recovery in Suez Canal container shipping, while confirming that the industry’s return to its traditional routing patterns remains incomplete.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, October 11, 2026 – Port of Salalah container throughput reached a record 511,209 TEUs in September 2026, marking the second consecutive monthly high at the Omani port. The latest performance pushed combined container volumes for August and September above 1 million TEUs, extending the port’s growth following a major terminal expansion completed in 2025.

September throughput increased 4.1% from August’s previous record of 491,114 TEUs. Container-handling moves also rose 3.7%, reaching 301,113 compared with 290,418 in August.

Josh Surdin, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Salalah Container Terminal, disclosed the September figures in a LinkedIn post. He described the result as the highest monthly container volume recorded in the port’s history.

Port of Salalah Container Throughput Exceeds 1 Million TEUs in Two Months

The combined throughput for August and September reached 1,002,323 TEUs, equivalent to approximately 23% of the port’s total container volume for 2025.

The consecutive monthly records follow significant annual growth in container traffic. In 2025, Port of Salalah handled 4.325 million TEUs, representing a 31% increase from the 3.305 million TEUs recorded in 2024.

Growth continued into 2026. During the first six months of the year, the port handled 2.331 million TEUs, compared with 2.031 million TEUs during the corresponding period of 2025. This represented a year-on-year increase of approximately 14.8%.

The September record therefore follows a period of sustained growth in container volumes, with both annual and first-half figures showing increases before the consecutive monthly highs in August and September.

Transshipment Dominates Container Traffic

Transshipment remains the largest component of Port of Salalah’s container business. During the first half of 2026, transshipment volumes reached approximately 2.034 million TEUs, accounting for around 87% of total container throughput.

These volumes reflect the port’s principal role as an international transshipment hub, where containers are transferred between vessels as part of global shipping networks.

Import and export containers accounted for a smaller share of overall traffic. Combined import and export throughput reached 190,304 TEUs during the first six months of 2026, representing just over 8% of total volume.

Meanwhile, container restows contributed a further 106,586 TEUs to first-half throughput.

The breakdown highlights the dominance of international transshipment activity compared with container traffic directly associated with cargo entering or leaving Oman.

$300 Million Terminal Expansion Supports Container Operations

The consecutive monthly records follow the completion of a $300 million expansion of the Port of Salalah Container Terminal in 2025.

The project involved upgrades to all six container berths, expansion of the container yard, and installation of new ship-to-shore cranes and supporting infrastructure.

The investment expanded the terminal’s infrastructure and was designed partly to accommodate container traffic associated with the Gemini Cooperation shipping network operated by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

The Gemini Cooperation forms an important part of the port’s operating environment, with the upgraded terminal infrastructure developed in part to serve traffic moving through the network.

APM Terminals, part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, operates Port of Salalah and holds a 30% ownership stake in Salalah Port Services Company.

The operator’s parent group is also one of the two shipping companies behind the Gemini Cooperation, alongside Hapag-Lloyd.

With the terminal expansion completed in 2025, Port of Salalah has recorded growth in first-half 2026 container throughput, followed by successive monthly records in August and September.

Source: Oman Observer

Shipping Arabia, October 8, 2026 – Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed the first westbound and eastbound sailings of the Gemini Cooperation’s SE1 service through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, marking another step in the gradual rerouting of selected Gemini services away from the Cape of Good Hope.

The German carrier said the container ship Umm Qarn will operate the two sailings. The first westbound voyage is scheduled for October 27, while the second sailing is planned for December 5.

The announcement follows an earlier decision by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to shift some Gemini Cooperation services from the Cape of Good Hope route to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Hapag-Lloyd SE1 Suez Canal sailings follow initial transits

Hapag-Lloyd said initial transits through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait proceeded according to plan. Those movements also provided operational experience ahead of the upcoming SE1 transits.

The confirmed SE1 sailings form part of a gradual approach by the Gemini partners as selected services return to the Red Sea and Suez Canal route.

Rather than applying the change across the entire network, Hapag-Lloyd is assessing the return on a service-by-service basis.

Security assessments planned for each voyage

Security remains a central element of the planned SE1 operations. Hapag-Lloyd said each voyage will undergo a detailed security assessment before transit.

The company also said the vessels will transit under naval protection and in coordination with the relevant authorities and security partners.

These arrangements will accompany the first confirmed SE1 sailings as the service begins using the Red Sea and Suez Canal route.

No full Gemini network return yet

Hapag-Lloyd emphasized that the development should not be interpreted as a complete strategic return of the Gemini Cooperation network to the Red Sea.

Instead, the carrier described the move as a gradual process tailored to individual services. The approach allows Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to reroute selected Gemini services while continuing to assess each operation separately.

The first Umm Qarn sailing on October 27 and the second voyage scheduled for December 5 will therefore represent specific SE1 movements through the Red Sea and Suez Canal rather than a network-wide change in Gemini routing.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, October 4, 2026 – The Premier Alliance Suez Canal return is set to begin this month as ONE, HMM and Yang Ming restore their FE1 service between Southeast Asia and Northern Europe via the canal, adding further momentum to the container shipping sector’s gradual shift away from Cape of Good Hope diversions.

According to consultancy Linerlytica, the move will mark Premier Alliance’s first departure from the Cape routing it adopted in January. The first sailing is expected to be operated by the 8,110-TEU ONE Continuity, which is scheduled to depart Laem Chabang on October 17.

Premier Alliance had remained one of the more prominent holdouts from the Suez route while rival carriers gradually rebuilt services through the Red Sea. Its planned return now adds to the cumulative shift in container capacity back toward the canal.

Premier Alliance Suez Canal Return Follows Other Service Changes

The Gemini partners, Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, are also increasing their use of the route. Hapag-Lloyd confirmed that its SE1 service will route the Umm Qarn toward Suez from Tanjung Pelepas on October 27.

That change follows earlier route adjustments involving the NE4, SE2 and IEX services, according to the report.

The scale of the broader return is becoming increasingly significant. Maritime Strategies International estimates that around 35% of Asia-Europe sailings are currently using the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Linerlytica calculates that more than 140 containerships representing over 2 million TEU of capacity have returned to Suez Canal routes since May.

Security Remains Main Constraint on Faster Normalization

Despite the accelerating return, security conditions remain the principal obstacle to a faster normalization of Red Sea shipping, according to Linerlytica.

Demand for naval escorts through the southern Red Sea has risen to the point that the European Union’s Aspides mission has acknowledged that the available warships are insufficient to meet all escort requests.

This security constraint continues to affect the pace at which carriers can restore services through the region, even as a growing share of Asia-Europe sailings returns to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Suez Return Raises Container Capacity Concerns

The gradual restoration of Suez routings is also increasing attention on the amount of vessel capacity that could return to the market.

Cape of Good Hope diversions have helped absorb a substantial amount of containership capacity. Linerlytica said the containership orderbook has reached a record 15.6 million TEU, equivalent to more than 45% of the current fleet.

As more services return to the shorter Suez routing, some of the effective capacity absorbed by longer voyages could be released back into the market.

Freight markets are already showing early signs of pressure. Freightos reported that Asia-Northern Europe spot rates fell 9% in its latest weekly assessment to $3,376 per FEU.

Asia-Mediterranean spot rates declined 7% to $3,620 per FEU. Part of the weakness was attributed to the gradual resumption of Red Sea shipping, which is restoring effective vessel capacity.

MSI Flags Earnings Impact as Voyages Shorten

Maritime Strategies International has also warned that a resumption of Suez Canal transits could weigh on earnings because shorter routings reduce vessel demand.

However, its latest containership outlook continues to indicate strong charter markets through the first half of 2027, particularly for feeder and midsize vessels.

Congestion is currently absorbing part of the potential capacity surplus. Linerlytica estimates that 3.76 million TEU, equivalent to 10.9% of the global fleet, is currently affected by congestion.

Sea-Intelligence places the proportion at more than 8% and estimates that the disruption could take seven to 10 months to fully unwind.

The Premier Alliance Suez Canal return, alongside other service restorations, therefore comes as the container shipping market faces a combination of easing route diversions, significant new vessel capacity and persistent congestion.

Source: Al Mal News

Shipping Arabia, September 27, 2026 – Maersk has added Salalah in Oman to the rotation of its AE15 service connecting Asia and Europe, extending the service’s Middle East coverage and providing an additional connection between the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.

The AE15 service forms part of Maersk’s east-west network and the Gemini Cooperation. Under the revised schedule, Salalah joins a rotation that includes major ports across Asia, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.

Revised AE15 rotation includes Salalah

Maersk said the updated AE15 port rotation will operate as follows: Qingdao – Gwangyang – Ningbo – Tanjung Pelepas – Jeddah – Suez Canal – Port Said – Damietta – Suez Canal – Salalah – Colombo – Singapore – Qingdao.

The revised routing places Salalah after the service’s second Suez Canal transit and before Colombo on the eastbound leg toward Asia.

The addition gives customers another shipping option linking the Mediterranean and Middle East with markets across the Asia-Pacific region, according to Maersk.

Morten Maersk designated for first eastbound call

Morten Maersk, operating voyage 638E, was designated as the first eastbound vessel to include the new Salalah call under the revised rotation.

According to the schedule announced by Maersk, the vessel was due to depart Damietta, Egypt, on September 18, 2026, before arriving at Salalah on September 24.

The addition of Salalah expands the number of Middle Eastern calls on AE15, with the revised rotation also including Jeddah before the service passes through the Suez Canal and continues to Port Said and Damietta.

Source: Al Mal News