Gemini Cooperation members, Maersk Line and Hapag Lloyd, have decided to drop their expected call at the port of Felixstowe on Asia-European routes and have chosen London Gateway instead.
Gemini is the new carrier alliance which formally begins its network operations and sailing schedules from February. They are offering three Asia service loops that call at the UK and they were very much expected to be using Felixstowe.
However, after an optimisation process review, a recent Maersk advisory stated “we have concluded that London Gateway is the most optimal port to serve our customers importing/exporting cargo to/from the UK”
According to a report in The Loadstar, the Danish carrier was also keen to point out that a switch from Felixstowe would not necessarily affect any of its services operated outside of Gemini.
Felixstowe has been suffering from congestion issues, where high demand and capacity limitations have gradually led to slower processing and longer turnaround times during recent months. While many North European ports have been struggling with congestion this year, Felixstowe appears to be the worst affected in the UK.
Felixstowe is currently the UK’s largest container port, but London Gateway recently confirmed £1 billion expansion plans that are expected to see it takeover that accolade within the next five years.
If you have any questions regarding the above, then Westbound are here to help. So, please do not hesitate to contact us.
