After a nearly seven-month suspension imposed by regional tensions in March. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are relaunching their direct container service connecting Asia and the Middle East under the Gemini Cooperation network.
The returning service comes with a revised port rotation: Jebel Ali in the UAE has been replaced by Khor Fakkan as the Middle East gateway call.
FM1/AGX Service Relaunched Under Gemini Network
In an official announcement released October 13, Maersk confirmed the relaunch of the FM1/AGX service under the Gemini network. Restoring a direct ocean freight link between Asia and the Middle East.
Updated Port Rotation
Qingdao – Ningbo – Tanjung Pelepas – Khor Fakkan – Singapore – Qingdao
Maiden Voyage Details
The inaugural sailing will be operated by the Maersk Athabasca, voyage number 642W. Scheduled to depart Qingdao on October 17, 2026 and arrive at Khor Fakkan on Νοέμβριος 16, 2026.
Key Change: Middle East Port Call Shifted to Khor Fakkan
The most significant adjustment is the relocation of the Middle East hub port.
Khor Fakkan is located on the eastern coast of the UAE, έξω από τα στενά του Ορμούζ. Προηγουμένως, Jebel Ali served as the service’s primary call for the wider Gulf market. Under the new arrangement, the direct call is shifted to Khor Fakkan. Cargo bound for inland Gulf destinations will require onward feeder or overland transportation arrangements.
Maersk stated that it will continue to serve destinations across the Gulf region via existing overland transport solutions connected to the Khor Fakkan call.
Restrictions Remain in Place
The service resumption does not signal a full lifting of Middle East shipping constraints. Maersk explicitly noted that existing booking restrictions and cargo acceptance guidelines remain in effect. Both carriers will continue to monitor the local security situation. Future route arrangements may be adjusted in response to regional developments.
For upcoming Middle East shipments. Shippers and forwarders should confirm the actual port of call, destination connection solutions and cargo acceptance requirements at the time of booking. Rather than planning based on pre-suspension routing patterns.
Asia-Middle East Ocean Freight Solutions From Huazong Logistics
As a professional freight forwarder with deep Middle East trade lane expertise and strong carrier partnerships. Huazong Logistics helps shippers navigate the evolving Asia-Middle East shipping landscape with reliable, flexible logistics solutions:
- Διαδρομή σε πραγματικό χρόνο & Port Visibility – Live updates on service resumptions, port rotation changes and booking restrictions across all Middle East lanes, so you plan shipments with full clarity.
- Gulf Region End-to-End Connectivity – Integrated ocean freight with overland and feeder connections from Khor Fakkan and other UAE ports to all major Gulf destinations, ensuring seamless door-to-door delivery.
- Confirmed Carrier Booking Support – Secured booking allocations with Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and other major carriers on Asia-Middle East services, with transparent pricing and transit time guarantees.
- Regulatory & Security Guidance – Up-to-date cargo acceptance rules, booking restrictions and regional security advisories to help you avoid shipment delays and compliance risks.
- Ευέλικτες Επιλογές Υπηρεσιών – FCL, LCL and special cargo solutions tailored to Middle East trade lanes, with both port-to-port and door-to-door service tiers.
For businesses shipping between Asia and the Middle East amid shifting route arrangements. Partnering with Huazong Logistics delivers reliable, proactive logistics support built for regional market dynamics.
