A week after Hapag-Lloyd announced it would leave THE Alliance, the German container line and THE’s remaining members put out a statement declaring the group’s “unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust cooperation” for the rest of the year. 

Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk will form the Gemini Cooperation alliance in 2025. 

The other partners in THE are HMM, Yang Ming Marine Transport, and Ocean Network Express. In a statement published on Hapag-Lloyd’s website, the group addressed concerns its immediate operations and agreements would be affected by the dramatic change. 

“In response to recent developments surrounding THE Alliance… we wish to emphasize our unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust cooperation throughout 2024,” the statement read. 

THE Alliance said it would ensure “the highest standards of cooperation and exceptional service are delivered to our stakeholders and the industry at large.”

The Gemini Cooperation will begin in February 2025 after Maersk’s pre-announced exit from its M2 alliance with MSC.