The MV Leonidio docked at the Southampton logistics hub on 3 February as part of its first rotation on the Gemini Transatlantic AL1/AT3 service, and will call at the ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Wilhelmshaven in Northern Europe before crossing the Atlantic to dock at New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Saint John in the US and Canada.
Ernst Schulze, chief executive officer for ports & terminals at DP World in the UK,said: “Our unmatched supply chain capabilities, operational reliability and connectivity demonstrate why Gemini has entrusted us with their Trans-Atlantic services at Southampton and further vital international routes at London Gateway.
!Alongside improving the reliability and efficiency of the UK economy’s international trade links, our partnership with the Gemini Cooperation is a testament to our steadfast programme of investment to make both Southampton and London Gateway the most modern and advanced logistics hubs in Europe.”
Gary Jeffreys, managing director – Maersk UK & Ireland,said: “It’s exciting to see our Gemini ocean network going live now after more than a year of thorough planning and preparation. It’s an absolute innovative network design in our ocean industry with the overall goal of delivering more robust and resilient ocean services to our customers.
“Logistics today must assert itself in a new environment with multiple disruptions and other challenges like geopolitical tensions or climate change. Hence, we need to apply new solutions to get schedule reliability back to the formerly known levels that our customers deserve. Besides using our own hub ports, we are excited to partner with terminal operators like DP World who can help us deliver the reliability.”
Cameron Bowie, managing director – Hapag-Lloyd UK & Ireland,said: “With the Gemini Cooperation network officially launched, it is great to see the first Hapag-Lloyd vessel ‘MV Leonidio’ arrive in Southampton. The AL1/AT3 service is one of 57 services in the Gemini network and highlights our commitment to optimising global shipping routes. Our goal is ambitious yet clear: to achieve industry-leading reliability of over 90% by summer 2025. The success of Gemini depends on more than ships and schedules. It’s also about good and strong collaborations we have with our ports and terminals.”