Gothenburg strengthens its direct connection to Asia through upgraded Gemini service

Gothenburg is strengthening its direct connection to Asia as Gemini Cooperation upgrades its AE3/NE3 services. With more capacity, additional Chinese ports in the rotation and shorter transit times, the changes create better conditions for Swedish cargo owners and freight forwarders to plan their import and export flows.

With two weekly direct calls to Asia operated by Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd and MSC, Gothenburg has a strong connection to the global shipping network. Since June, Maersk’s and Hapag-Lloyd’s Europe–Asia service has also increased its focus on Gothenburg.

Shorter transit times from China to Gothenburg

Gemini is built around a network of strategically selected ports and hubs, where fewer calls on the mainline services are designed to support greater reliability and more efficient flows. In the updated AE3/NE3 rotation, this concept is further developed with fewer European port calls and more calls in China. This creates a more direct route between Asia and Gothenburg and shorter transit times, particularly for imports from China.

“The update creates a more direct route and, as a result, shorter transit times between Gothenburg and China,” says Åsa Demme, Head of Integrated Sales Sweden at Maersk.

For cargo owners and freight forwarders, it is not just about time at sea. Shorter and more predictable transit times make it easier to plan inventory, production and onward transport once the goods arrive in Sweden.

“We have strong confidence in Gothenburg as a gateway for Sweden and the Nordic region. That is why we have chosen to focus the direct service on the ports that we know create value for Swedish industry,” Åsa Demme continues.

More capacity for Swedish import and export flows

The upgrade also means a significant increase in capacity on the direct service to and from Gothenburg. For Hapag-Lloyd, this means being able to offer more capacity for both imports and exports.

“Because the service is so reliable, customers can trust that their cargo will arrive as scheduled. This makes it easier to fill the increased capacity in Gothenburg,” says Kristoffer Hellstrand, Country Manager Sweden at Hapag-Lloyd.

“Gothenburg also offers good opportunities to use road and rail for onward transport into Sweden. We see particularly strong potential for further growth by rail,” Kristoffer Hellstrand concludes.