DP World’s Jebel Ali Port Welcomes Historic First Call of New Gemini Service

The first vessel has arrived at Jebel Ali Port under the Gemini Cooperation as DP World joins Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk in their strategic partnership to improve ocean freight infrastructure and worldwide trading connections. On February 5, the MV Houston Express arrived at Jebel Ali Port, bringing the 15,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containership to this essential Gemini network position. To commemorate the occasion, DP World and Hapag-Lloyd senior management hosted a special reception at Jebel Ali Port, underscoring the port’s pivotal role in global supply chains.

A Transformative Partnership in Ocean Freight

The Gemini Cooperation is a transformative partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, designed to create a highly efficient and reliable ocean freight network across seven trade lanes. Furthermore, the network features 57 mainliner and shuttle services, operating approximately 340 modern vessels, many of which are transitioning to cleaner fuels.

The vessel is part of the Indian Ocean Service, strengthening trade links between the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and North and South Europe. Shahab Al Jassmi, senior vice president, Ports & Terminals Commercial, DP World GCC, said: “The arrival of the first Gemini Cooperation vessel at Jebel Ali Port reinforces our position as the leading maritime hub in the Middle East.”

Strategic Infrastructure and Operational Excellence

Designed to create a fast, flexible, and reliable ocean network, Gemini is centered around strategic hubs, and having a strong network of ports and terminals like Jebel Ali Port is key to achieving this vision. The efficiency and resilience of port operations, coupled with the advanced logistics capabilities of the hub, are critical factors that make DP World a trusted partner for shipping lines.

Jebel Ali Port Key Performance Data

The following table highlights the recent operational milestones and technical specifications associated with the Jebel Ali hub:

Category	Data Point
MV Houston Express Capacity	15,000 TEU
Total 2024 Volume	15.5 million TEUs
Monthly Record (July 2024)	1.4 million TEUs
Breakbulk Record (October 2025)	630,000 tons

Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

Jebel Ali Port continues to support the industry's transition to cleaner energy. Ane Maersk, the world’s first large green methanol-enabled vessel, recently made her first call in Dubai at DP World, Jebel Ali. Serving the AE7 string, which connects Asia and Europe, Ane Maersk underscores Maersk's ambition to achieve Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This reflects the broader Gemini network goals where many vessels are transitioning to cleaner fuels to enhance supply chain resilience across the global trade network.

Strengthening Global Trade Links

Christiaan Goeman Borgesius, senior director Operations Region Middle East, Hapag-Lloyd, noted: “With the Gemini network now live, we are happy to see the first Hapag-Lloyd vessel, MV Houston Express, arrive in Dubai.” For over a year, teams have worked diligently to bring Gemini to life, ensuring the vessel enhances trade links between the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Northern and Southern Europe.