On February 10, 2025, with the announcement by Shanghai International Port Group （SIPG）that  "the first container of the 'Gemini' maiden voyage at Shanghai Port has officially been lifted," a landmark event in global shipping development took place ---  marking the official launch of the "Gemini Cooperation" between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd in Shanghai.

With the goal of delivering “efficiency”, Shanghai Port, being a global core hub, will continue to strengthen its core operations, optimize services, and collaborate with shipping companies to set a new benchmark for efficiency and service in the port and shipping industry. This will inject strong momentum into the elevation of Shanghai's status as an international shipping center.

"Gemini" Sets Sail: Strengthening the Global Supply Chain 

"Gemini Cooperation", a strategic collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, offers services in China primarily calling at the terminal of the Yangshan Deep Water Port Phase III, operated by the SIPG's Guandong International Container Terminal (SGICT). At the launch ceremony of the "Gemini" maiden voyage, Anne-Sophie Zerlang Karlsen, head of Asia-Pacific operations of AP Moller–Maersk stated, "Choosing Shanghai Port as one of the 'Gemini' hub ports is based on its world-class efficiency in port operation, digital capabilities, and our firm confidence in the Chinese market."

As the world’s largest port, with the leading annual container throughput for fifteen consecutive years, Shanghai Port’s collaboration with "Gemini" will further enhance the density of its international route network, ensure high vessel schedule reliability, and provide "beyond-expectation" logistics support for global clients. At the same time, relevant administrative agencies of the port have given significant attention to the operation of "Gemini" service and have proactively planned and optimized specialized services with the port and shipping industries to improve port service capabilities and support.

Shanghai Port Efficiency: Accelerating the Upgrading of China's Port Capabilities

"SIPG will continue to shoulder the mission of upgrading Shanghai International Shipping Center, with the vision of becoming a world-class port operator. We will keep enhancing the hub capabilities and service levels of Shanghai Port, contributing more and higher-quality 'Chinese solutions' to the high-quality development of global shipping," said Zhou Yong, Deputy General Manager of Operations and Business Unit of SIPG. He further revealed that SIPG would enhance important functions like international transshipment and empty container dispatching through the cooperation with "Gemini", while also expanding key businesses such as cabotage and international LCL transshipment, in line with its digital, intelligent, and green transformation. 

As a major port of call for "Gemini," SGICT will further leverage its advantages in operational efficiency and service capabilities. Through in-depth collaboration with Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, it will ensure vessel schedule reliability and strive to become the leading terminal in "efficiency" among "Gemini" global ports of call. It is reported that Yangshan Port has ranked first for two consecutive years in the Global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) compiled by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. SGICT holds the world record for the highest vessel productivity, and has ranked first in national "throughput per meter of quay length" for four consecutive years.

Industry Insights: How New Shipping Forces Are Reshaping the Trade Landscape

Industry analysts believe that the birth of the "Gemini Cooperation" may break traditional shipping patterns. Experts at the Shanghai International Shipping Research Center point out, "The collaboration between Shanghai Port and 'Gemini' essentially aims to shift global shipping from 'scale competition' to 'efficiency competition' through 'sharing data  and  co-establishing standards'  between ports and shipping companies."