(Yicai) Feb. 11 — The Gemini Cooperation, a partnership between Danish shipping giant Maersk and its German counterpart Hapag-Lloyd, has begun operations at the Port of Shanghai, marking another milestone in the eastern city's efforts to establish itself as a global shipping hub, The Paper reported today.

Gemini yesterday handled its first container in Shanghai, which has maintained its position as the world’s busiest port in terms of container throughput for the 15th consecutive year.

The two European container shipping giants launched Gemini earlier this month to reduce their operating costs by consolidating vessel and port resources while addressing global shipping disruptions, such as the Red Sea shipping crisis. The pair's vessels continue to avoid the Red Sea, instead sailing around the Cape of Good Hope to ensure safety amid attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi rebels from Yemen.

Gemini will undergo a global transition period until the end of May, during which around 340 container ships will be put into operation, covering 29 mainliners and 28 intraregional shuttles, with a target of 90 percent punctuality, Maersk announced on Jan. 31.

Natural Port Choice

"The Port of Shanghai was selected as one of the core hub ports for the Gemini Cooperation because of its world-class operational efficiency, advanced digital capabilities, and our strong confidence in the Chinese market," Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, head of Asia-Pacific operations at Maersk, said during the launch ceremony.

In Shanghai, Gemini aims to leverage the port’s strategic position to enhance the density of its international route network, ensure ship punctuality, and provide top-tier logistics support to global customers.

Through its cooperation with Gemini, the Port of Shanghai will capitalize on its progress in digital, intelligent, and green transformation, strengthening key functions, including international transit and empty container transportation, said Zhou Yong, deputy general manager of a department at Shanghai International Port Group, the exclusive operator of local port terminals.

Zhou also mentioned that the port would focus on expanding its international transit consolidation and coastal cabotage services, which refers to transport between two domestic points by a foreign vessel.

Editor: Emmi Laine