With the Gemini Cooperation, Maersk aims to deliver a best-in-class ocean network featuring industry-leading reliability, reach, and speed starting in February 2025. Central to this ambition is the port terminals that will act as hubs, connecting the network’s 58 services and over 6,000 port-to-port combinations, according to an article published on its website.
The Role of Key Hubs
These hubs have been meticulously selected for their high dependability and productivity, ensuring seamless connections between services. They facilitate optimized transportation routes, enabling goods to reach distant destinations efficiently. Transshipments, when executed well, can enhance the reliability, efficiency, and flexibility of supply chains. The mainline services will operate alongside dedicated shuttle services by Maersk, primarily focusing on hubs owned or controlled by Maersk or partner Hapag-Lloyd, ensuring integrated management and alignment.
Hubs with World-Class Capabilities
APM Terminals owns eight of the selected hubs, including Rotterdam Maasvlakte II, North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven, APM Terminals Algeciras, APM Terminals Tangier, MedPort Tangier, SCCT in Port Said, Port of Salalah, and Port of Tanjung Pelepas. Investments in these terminals have reduced average vessel stay times by 15-20% over the past two years. APM Terminals plans to increase the hubs’ capacity by 30%, covering 19 kilometers of berth with more than 200 cranes.
Leveraging Advanced Technology
Advanced technology like IoT, digital twins, and AI enhances the reliability and efficiency of the hubs. APM Terminals has installed IoT sensors on over 2,500 pieces of equipment, allowing real-time monitoring and quick responses to operational issues. Digital twins are already in use at four hubs, with plans to expand to all hubs by the network’s implementation. These digital tools help visualize, monitor, optimize, and maintain terminal operations effectively, preventing disruptions and boosting productivity.
A Holistic Approach
The hubs are a critical component of the future network, working in concert with network design, cooperation agreements, fleet, processes, and technologies to achieve industry-leading reliability, reach, and speed. Ongoing testing and fine-tuning aim to ensure readiness for the February 2025 launch.
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Source: Maersk
