Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk shift Gemini SE4 service back to Red Sea route
While prioritizing crew and cargo security, the companies believe this transition improves logistics efficiency for their global clients.
GLOBAL – Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk have announced a strategic shift for their Gemini service SE4, moving its route from the Cape of Good Hope back to the Red Sea, as the shipping giants move to offer faster transit times and more direct connections between Asia and Europe following a thorough review of the security landscape in the region.
The SE4 service will sail via the Red Sea route rather than transiting via the Cape of Good Hope. The first westbound sailing will be the Berlin Maersk.
“The Red Sea route is the most efficient connection for these voyages and helps us provide a more direct and faster transport option for our customers with transport between Asia and Europe,” the companies stated.
Operational Benefits and Efficiency Gains
This operational change aims to deliver faster transit times and more direct connections between Asia and Europe. The decision follows a thorough review of the security landscape in the region to safeguard maritime assets and personnel.
Therefore, by returning to the Red Sea from the Cape of Good Hope, the service will significantly reduce transit times, cutting journey times by approximately one to two weeks compared with the longer route around Africa.
For customers shipping cargo between Asia and Europe, the Red Sea route offers the most efficient connection, enabling faster market access and improved supply chain responsiveness. The shift also reduces fuel consumption and operational costs, supporting more sustainable shipping practices.
Security Assessment and Continuous Monitoring
The decision to return to the Red Sea route follows a period when most shipping companies diverted vessels around the Cape of Good Hope because of security concerns in the region.
“The safety of crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our highest priority,” the companies emphasized. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and inform affected customers of any further relevant changes.”
While prioritizing crew and cargo security, the companies believe this transition improves logistics efficiency for their global clients.
Moreover, the assessment concluded that current conditions permit safe passage through the Red Sea, enabling the structural change to the SE4 service.
In the end, this change marks a significant update to their international shipping operations and service reliability, with both companies remaining prepared to make further adjustments as the security landscape evolves.
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