- Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd actively chartering vessels ahead of Gemini Cooperation launch.
- Maersk seeks to reduce MSC’s lead in the shipping market.
- Both companies plan significant ship orders and charters to expand their fleets.
As Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd prepare for the launch of their Gemini Cooperation arrangement in February, both companies are increasing their vessel chartering activities, reports The Loadstar.
Increased Chartering Activity
Last week, Maersk chartered three 7,847 teu ships – GSL Eleni, GSL Grania, and GSL Kalliopi – from Global Ship Lease for three years at $34,000 per day. They also chartered the feeder vessel, Julius-S, for two years at $24,000 per day.
Meanwhile, Hapag-Lloyd chartered the 6,882 teu Jamaica Express at $43,500 per day for five years, and two other vessels: the 3,884 teu Osaka at $36,000 per day for three years, and the 5,466 teu Euphrates.
Efforts to Close the Gap with MSC
Both Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are keen to secure more tonnage to reduce the gap between themselves and MSC, which overtook Maersk in the liner operator rankings in 2022. MSC’s fleet now exceeds 6 million teu, dwarfing the 3.4 million teu combined fleet that the Gemini Cooperation aims to operate.
According to Linerlytica, “Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are particularly keen to secure additional tonnage ahead of the launch of the Gemini Cooperation, with Maersk in particular making a belated effort to narrow the massive lead MSC has built up in the past four years.”
Future Ship Orders
Last month, Maersk’s CEO Vincent Clerc revealed plans to order or charter 800,000 teu of LNG dual-fuelled vessels, to be delivered between 2026 and 2030. Of these, 300,000 teu will be owned. Maersk is also expected to have placed orders for 18 16,000 teu ships, split across three shipyards – Hanwha Ocean, New Times Shipbuilding, and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding.
Hapag-Lloyd, meanwhile, is reportedly looking to order vessels ranging from 15,000 to 16,000 teu, as well as ten others between 8,000 and 9,000 teu, inviting bids from major shipyards in South Korea and China.
Strengthening Fleets for Future Growth
Both shipping giants are making strategic moves to expand their fleets and remain competitive in the global market, focusing on chartering vessels now and planning for significant future ship orders.
This proactive approach aims to position them to better compete with MSC and meet growing global demand.
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Source: The Loadstar
