Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are exploring introducing premium charges in connection with higher schedule reliability under their vessel-sharing alliance, the Gemini Cooperation, according to several news reports. From the outset, the network was designed to achieve a target of delivering the 90% schedule reliability with its fully-phased in network.

In an investor update, Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc noted that the increased reliability of vessels through the Gemini Cooperation has given companies a competitive advantage. “The key standout for this quarter is the implementation of Gemini. That was the first quarter where we had a fully deployed new alliance where we could verify both our ability to deliver reliability to customers, as well as the cost saving we were anticipating.”

The reliability has also translated into measurable gains with a slightly more than 19% increase in Hapag-Lloyd’s Asia volumes through the Gemini network, as reported by American Shipper.

Both carriers highlight that service reliability delivers tangible value to shippers by lowering inventory costs.

Maersk CEO Vincent Clerc also said during the company’s Q3 2025 earnings call that while discussions around possible premiums for using Gemini Cooperation vessels have begun, the company was focused on building a proven track record that benefits customers before monetizing gains.

Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, pointed out that the Gemini Cooperation has set a new benchmark for reliability. “With the Gemini network, we set a new quality benchmark in terms of schedule reliability, which clearly sets us apart from our competitors,” the press release said.

Sea-Intelligence’s September Global Schedule Reliability report found the Gemini Cooperation’s on-time performance across all arrivals was at 89.1% in August/September, while global schedule reliability stayed near 65%.

Source: Maersk, American Shipper, Hapag-Lloyd, Sea-Intelligence