Hapag-Lloyd introduces new Asia–Europe service under Gemini network changes
Hapag-Lloyd has announced changes to its Far East–Europe network under the Gemini Cooperation, including the introduction of a new Asia South Europe 5 (SE5) service and revised port rotations across several existing routes.
The adjustments will begin in November 2026 and cover six services connecting Asia with Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. They include new port calls, changes to existing rotations and revised connections through Mediterranean hubs.
New SE5 service to connect Asia and the Western Mediterranean
The new SE5 service will provide direct connections from Central and South China to the Western Mediterranean, including Algeciras in Spain and Tangier Med in Morocco.
The service will also offer onward connections to West Africa through Tangier.
Its announced port rotation is Shanghai – Xiamen – Tanjung Pelepas – Suez Canal – Algeciras – Tangier Med – Algeciras – Suez Canal – Xiamen.
The first vessel assigned to the service will be Maersk Edirne, voyage 647W, scheduled to call at Shanghai on 22 November 2026.
Mediterranean network rotations revised
Hapag-Lloyd is also introducing changes to its SE1, SE2, SE3 and SE4 services.
On SE1, the existing Algeciras call will be replaced by westbound and eastbound calls at Port Said. Colombo will also be added to the eastbound rotation, providing an additional connection between Sri Lanka and the service’s Mediterranean network.
SE2 will replace its westbound Tangier call with Port Said and introduce a westbound call at Salalah. The service will continue to include Valencia, Barcelona, La Spezia, Genoa and Vado Ligure.
The SE3 service will operate a revised Mediterranean rotation through Port Said and Damietta, while its eastbound Colombo call will be discontinued.
Meanwhile, SE4 will add Nansha in South China and remove Shanghai from its rotation. The service will also introduce a westbound call at Damietta alongside its existing Port Said connection.
Rotterdam to become first European call on NE1
Changes are also planned for the North Europe Express 1 (NE1) service, with Rotterdam becoming the first European port of call and Tangier being removed from the rotation.
The revised NE1 rotation will cover Ningbo, Shanghai, Tanjung Pelepas, Rotterdam, Wilhelmshaven, Bremerhaven, Rotterdam, Salalah and Singapore.
The first affected vessel will be Moscow Maersk, voyage 646W, scheduled to call at Ningbo on 13 November 2026.
Hapag-Lloyd plans to implement the network adjustments progressively from mid-November, with the individual services transitioning according to their respective vessel schedules.
