- Hapag-Lloyd faces challenges entering the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk Line.
- The German carrier heavily relies on Maersk/APM Terminals’ global network and lacks a significant stake in terminals along main East-West routes.
Hapag-Lloyd enters the Gemini Cooperation at a disadvantage, with Linerlytica highlighting the vast difference in fleet sizes between Hapag-Lloyd (1.98 million TEUs) and Maersk Line (4.16 million TEUs). The report emphasizes the critical challenge of Hapag-Lloyd’s complete dependence on Maersk/APM Terminals’ global network. The German carrier’s limited stake in terminals along major East-West routes further undermines its competitive position.
Terminal Exclusion and Service Limitations
The analysis reveals that Hapag-Lloyd’s home terminal in Hamburg, Germany, will be significantly underrepresented in the Gemini network. Only five out of 26 planned mainline services will include Hamburg, and the city has been excluded from all 14 European shuttle services connecting at the main European hub ports of the Gemini network. This exclusion raises concerns about Hapag-Lloyd’s access to crucial routes and impacts its ability to compete effectively.
Slow Growth and Market Share Loss
Linerlytica points out a broader trend of slow growth for both Maersk Line and Hapag-Lloyd over the last five years. Unlike competitors, they were less aggressive in building new ships during the Covid-19-fueled boom. The report highlights their last major growth spurt in 2017, driven by acquisitions of Hamburg Sud and United Arab Shipping Company. With smaller orderbooks compared to major carriers, Maersk (437,824 TEU) and Hapag-Lloyd (251,976 TEU) have lost significant market share, positioning them as slower-growing players in the industry.
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Source: Container News
