DP World Southampton has received its first ship under the Gemini Cooperation agreement, with the MV Leonidiodocking on 3 February. The vessel is part of the Gemini Transatlantic AL1/AT3 service, calling at key European ports before crossing the Atlantic to the US and Canada.
The Gemini Cooperation, announced in 2024 by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, aims to enhance East-West shipping reliability through a hub-and-spoke network. Under this partnership, DP World will handle all Middle East-Europe and Asia-Europe services at London Gateway and Transatlantic operations at Southampton. The first Gemini Asia-Europe vessel is set to arrive at London Gateway in the coming weeks.
Ernst Schulze, CEO for DP World Ports & Terminals UK, highlighted the company’s investment in making Southampton and London Gateway leading logistics hubs in Europe. He also announced upcoming ‘Insight Days’ at London Gateway to showcase its deep-sea berths, rail terminal, and port-adjacent logistics park.
Gary Jeffreys, Managing Director of Maersk UK & Ireland, emphasized the network’s role in improving schedule reliability amid global disruptions. Cameron Bowie, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd UK & Ireland, noted that Gemini aims for over 90% reliability by summer 2025, underscoring the importance of strong partnerships with port operators like DP World.
