DP World has celebrated the arrival of the first vessel under the newly established Gemini Cooperation, a partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk designed to enhance global trade connectivity. The MV Houston Express, a 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containership, docked at Jebel Ali Port on 5 February, marking a significant milestone for the Gemini network. The vessel's arrival underscores DP World's pivotal role in strengthening trade links between the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and North and South Europe.
The Gemini Cooperation aims to create a highly efficient and reliable ocean freight network across seven trade lanes. Shahab Al Jassmi, Senior Vice President of Ports & Terminals Commercial at DP World GCC, highlighted the importance of strategic hubs like Jebel Ali Port in achieving the vision of a fast, flexible, and reliable ocean network. The network, featuring 57 mainliner and shuttle services operating approximately 340 modern vessels, prioritizes the transition to cleaner fuels for sustainability.
Christiaan Goeman Borgesius, Senior Director of Operations Region Middle East at Hapag-Lloyd, expressed satisfaction with the live Gemini network, culminating in the arrival of the MV Houston Express in Dubai. The efficiency and resilience of port operations, combined with advanced logistics capabilities, solidify DP World as a trusted partner for shipping lines. The partnership between DP World and the Gemini Cooperation is poised to enhance supply chain resilience across the global trade network, emphasizing the pivotal role of Jebel Ali Port in facilitating trade flows between key regions.
