Maersk, together with Hapag-Lloyd, announced a change in the ME11 service route under the Gemini Cooperation: from mid-February 2026, vessels will sail via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The first western voyage on the new route is the Albert Maersk, voyage 605W, from Jebel Ali to Mundra, India, departing on February 4, 2026. Eastern voyages will commence on February 3, 2026, with the Astrid Maersk departing from Valencia, Spain. The company recommends that clients review their insurance and logistics strategies in light of the new routes and offers appropriate insurance solutions to protect their cargo.
Challenging weather conditions in Western and Southern Europe are causing disruptions to both shipping lines and terminal infrastructure: in the Bay of Biscay and the western Mediterranean, operations have been suspended and vessels are being delayed. On domestic routes across Europe, snow, ice, and low temperatures are slowing road and rail transport, causing congestion and reduced opening hours at port terminals. Maersk is actively monitoring the situation and implementing backup solutions to minimize the impact on customers.
Meanwhile, Maersk has launched a new service between Marina di Carrara (Italy) and Rades (Tunisia), with a transit time of just 2 days and 7 hours, supporting industrial and automotive supply chains and strengthening its European nearshoring strategy. Air freight has also been impacted by the winter weather, and to maintain stability, Maersk is using charter flights to ensure on-time delivery of cargo in closed or congested hubs. Europe continues to see growth in air freight demand, with an 18% year-on-year increase in November 2025.