Hapag-Lloyd maintained that it will remain focused on liner shipping and has no intention of becoming a logistics integrator amid its newly announced long-term operational collaboration with Maersk starting in February 2025.

The German international shipping and container transportation company said the partnership will bring tangible benefits and will improve the quality of its operations.

Rolf Habben Jansen, chief executive officer of Hapag-Lloyd, noted that the partnership "does not represent a change of strategic direction for Hapag-Lloyd."

"We remain fully focused on liner shipping and the closely connected terminal and inland operations. We have no intention to become a logistics integrator," he said.

"We do believe, however, that with Maersk, we have found a like-minded partner who shares our passion for quality and sustainability," the Hapag-Lloyd chief executive added.

Hapag-Lloyd said in a statement that with the new "Gemini Cooperation" with Maersk, it has given notice to end its membership in THE Alliance at the end of January 2025.

The "Gemini Cooperation" will cover the main East-West Trades and will cover seven global (sub)trades and offer 26 mainline services. 

Hapag-Lloyd noted that the network will be centred around 12 key hub ports (10 owned and/or controlled terminals and two highly efficient operations in Singapore and Cartagena).

"We will, in addition, run 32 dedicated regional shuttle services to and from these key hubs to ensure seamless connections to many major ports," Jansen said.

Not an action against THE Alliance

Despite departing THE Alliance in 2025, the Hapag-Lloyd chief executive maintained that the decision to enter into a new partnership with Maersk is not an action against the alliance, which also consists of ONE, HMM, and Yang Ming.

"Let me be very transparent here: this is not a decision against THE Alliance, which has been a long-standing, trusted and successful partnership for us. It is a next step to build something new that we believe will enable us to generate even more value for our customers by pairing our Hapag-Lloyd customer service with much higher operational quality in a robust and resilient network," Jansen said.

He also signalled continuity in 2024 and a smooth transition to the new partnership.

"We, of course, remain fully dedicated to serving you and your supply chains seamlessly throughout 2024 and will honour our existing agreements with you also beyond February 2025," the Hapag-Lloyd chief said.

"We will continue to work as a full member of THE Alliance over the coming year and be a trustworthy partner for our customers, vendors, and others."

He added that the transition to its new operational collaboration will be "carefully planned and prepared throughout 2024" to ensure a seamless transition.

Jansen said the fleet of the new partnership will consist of some 290 modern and efficient vessels with an overall standing capacity of 3.4 million TEU, many ready to adopt cleaner fuels.