To alleviate congestion at other European ports, the Gemini Cooperation, a strategic alliance between global shipping leaders Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, has announced an adjustment to its Asia-Europe service, known respectively as AE5 by Maersk and NE4 by Hapag-Lloyd.
Beginning in Week 35, the Port of Gothenburg will be added to the service rotation, establishing an additional direct connection between Gothenburg and key markets in Asia, bringing enhanced logistics options to the region’s industries.
“This is excellent news. I’m confident the industry will value the expanded range of choices, including multiple direct port calls along with alternative services via shuttle and feeder networks. This development reinforces our role as a reliable gateway to global trade and a guarantor for the industry’s access to the world,” says Richard Mellgren, Business Development Manager at the Port of Gothenburg.
The joint decision by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd signals strong confidence in Sweden’s import and export capabilities. For Port of Gothenburg customers, it translates to direct service from three of the world’s largest container shipping lines: Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and MSC.
“In combination with our unique Railport Scandinavia system, which links 26 inland terminals across the country in an environmentally efficient manner, this new direct ocean service provides a resilient and competitive corridor between Sweden’s key production and consumption areas and Asia. Coupled with our robust liner network, modern infrastructure, and the high-performance terminal operations of APM Terminals, we are well positioned to support the continued growth of Swedish foreign trade and strengthen the global competitiveness of Swedish businesses,” Mellgren concludes.
Fact Sheet: Gemini Cooperation – Revised AE5/NE4 Service
- Service Launch: Week 35
- Service Names: AE5 (Maersk) / NE4 (Hapag-Lloyd)
- Port of Gothenburg Call: Every Thursday
- Updated Rotation: Qingdao – Yantian – Tanjung Pelepas – London – Hamburg – Bremerhaven –
- Aarhus – Gothenburg – Rotterdam – Tanjung Pelepas – Qingdao
- Vessel Capacity: Exceeds 15,000 TEU