Industry update: Changes to Gemini network UK port calls 21/11/24

Overview of the change

The Gemini Cooperation, led by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, has announced a strategic shift in its Asia-Europe routes ahead of its formal launch. Effective from Q1 2025 when the first Gemini vessels arrive, the network will drop Felixstowe as a port of call on its Asia-North Europe services, replacing it with London Gateway.

Under the original Gemini network plan, the AE1, AE3, and AE5 services were scheduled to include Felixstowe. Following a recent optimisation review, however, London Gateway has been identified as the optimal UK port for these routes. This change is aimed at reducing network complexity, enhancing reliability, and offering faster, more efficient connections for customers.

Additionally, other UK port calls in the Gemini network remain unchanged, including:

• Two weekly London Gateway calls on Middle East/India-Europe services.
• Three weekly Southampton calls for transatlantic services.

Key industry insights

• Strategic importance of London gateway: DP World’s significant investments in infrastructure, including a £350m fourth berth and a planned £1bn for two all-electric berths and a second rail terminal, have positioned London Gateway as a premier logistics hub. Enhanced accessibility and operational reliability were cited as decisive factors by Gemini partners.
• Broader implications for Felixstowe: While Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s shift reduces Felixstowe’s role in Asia-Europe routes, Maersk will maintain other non-Gemini services at the port, including intra-regional and Europe-Middle East routes.

Ligentia’s perspective

At Ligentia, we understand the critical nature of port operations in driving supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction. This shift aligns with the ongoing trend toward consolidating services at fewer, highly efficient hubs to reduce complexity and improve reliability.

From our vantage point, this change offers several opportunities:

1. Improved connectivity: London Gateway’s superior infrastructure supports faster turnaround times and direct rail connections, potentially reducing inland transit times for UK cargo.
2. Enhanced network resilience: Simplified routes with fewer port calls can mitigate delays and improve schedule reliability, directly benefiting customers. Further to this, London Gateway has historically been less susceptible to weather disruption than Felixstowe.
3. Futureproofing: The planned investments at London Gateway reflect a long-term commitment to sustainability and advanced logistics solutions, ensuring Gemini services remain competitive.

What this means for our customers

We are actively monitoring this transition to ensure minimal disruption and maximum benefit for our customers. 

• Dynamic route planning: Adaptable logistics strategies to leverage London Gateway’s advantages.
• Expert advisory support: Insights and guidance to navigate the impact on your operations effectively.
• Rate cards: Rate cards for customers who do not currently utilise London Gateway will be updated to include haulage from this port; any London Gateway specific port charges will also be added. These changes will be discussed with you in advance by your Customer team.

Need more information?

For a discussion about how this change might impact your operations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Customer team.