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