The war between Israel and Lebanon, the growing level of conflict between the Jewish state and Iran, the recent raids conducted against other targets in the area left little doubt regarding the next possible evolution of world trade routes and the moves of the main carriers .
Gemini, the alliance created between Maersk and Hapag Lloyd, was the first to dissolve them. Presenting their joint programming last September, starting in February 2025,
Cape of Good Hope
The duo had envisaged the possibility of starting operations with routes in transit off the Cape of Good Hope but also the more optimistic one, which envisaged the return of the ships for the Red Sea.
The companies have decided to begin the Gemini Cooperation on Feb. 1 by using the Cape of Good Hope network, according to a notice to customers published by Copenhagen-based Maersk
MSC
At the moment, however, Gemini’s main competitor, MSC, does not yet appear to have taken a position,although it had presented its customers with the possibility of starting two different networks depending on the changing geopolitical framework.
It is not known whether the Swiss carrier will provide updates in this regard in the next few days, or whether by virtue of its ‘solo’ operation MSC believes it can adapt its programming more quickly in the event –
Premier Alliance
It is noteworthy that the Premier Alliance, an alliance between One, Hmm and Yang Ming which is an ally of MSC by virtue of a slot exchange agreement, has not yet released any updates.
Like their other colleagues, the Asian trio had unveiled a network of services via Suez and alternatively via Buona Speranza in September.
Houthi attacks
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have since late last year forced container vessels to sail around southern Africa.
That has absorbed some of the vessel overcapacity in the container industry, which in turn has helped boost container rates.
Maersk had said in August it expected the conflict to last at least until the end of 2024.
“In-depth analysis”
Returning to Gemini, in an area of its website dedicated to the alliance Maersk explains that the decision to implement the network with transits off the coast of South Africa was taken after “in-depth analysis” and that this was guided by “persisting security concerns ”, such that she believes that this is “the only possible option at this stage”.
A return to the Suez passage can only take place, he added, when the safety of the crews can be guaranteed.
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