Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd relaunch FM1 service via Khor Fakkan

Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are relaunching the FM1 service under their Gemini Cooperation on October 17, with a revised route that replaces Jebel Ali with Khor Fakkan. Marketed as AGX by Hapag-Lloyd and FM1 by Maersk, this weekly service restores direct maritime connections between major Asian ports and the United Arab Emirates, integrating into the broader Gemini network.

Route changes and regional impact

The new FM1 rotation includes Qingdao, Ningbo, Tanjung Pelepas, Khor Fakkan, and Singapore. This shift from Jebel Ali to Khor Fakkan on the UAE's eastern coast reflects changes in cargo flows driven by congestion and security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. Volumes have shifted to Khor Fakkan and Fujairah in recent months, making them the main pressure points in the region as congestion appears across UAE corridors.

Maersk reported vessel congestion and limited berth availability at Khor Fakkan. High yard utilisation, road congestion and extended truck waiting times are delaying cargo clearance. Expeditors stated UAE gateways remain largely unaffected and outside the Strait risk area, but noted Khor Fakkan and Fujairah show signs of congestion. These ports are expected to remain under significant pressure in the coming weeks. As congestion in Jeddah decreases, cargo flows are expected to shift toward Jeddah, Aqaba and Salalah.

Operational schedule and first voyage

The first voyage of the resumed FM1 service will depart Qingdao on October 17 aboard the container ship Maersk Athabasca, on voyage 642W. Hapag-Lloyd places the start of service on October 18, identifying it as the expected arrival of the same vessel in Qingdao. The schedule for the inaugural sailing is as follows:

The service then returns to the original Chinese port after Singapore. This October 2026 itinerary reduces the number of stops compared to a configuration announced in June 2025, which had included Xingang, Busan, Shanghai, and Jebel Ali.

Context and outlook

The FM1 service was suspended in March 2026 due to a deterioration of security conditions for navigation in the Gulf region. Maersk communicated the temporary interruption of FM1 and the Europe-linked ME11 service on March 6, stating it was a response to risk assessments to protect crew members and vessels. Other connections, such as the ME1, modified their stops to maintain operations at certain ports in India and Oman during this period.

Maersk specified the resumption will be accompanied by necessary operational precautions in the Middle East. Existing booking restrictions and cargo acceptance conditions will continue to apply. The two shipping companies will monitor security conditions, and any additional modifications of Gemini Cooperation services will be subject to the evolution of the regional situation. Protection of crews, vessels, and cargo will continue to influence operational decisions.

Forwarders claim that since the war began, capacity has been hoovered up by forwarders with the biggest pockets rather than shipments with the most need. Transit times through Fujairah and Khor Fakkan vary by destination, with final-mile delivery controlled by UAE government-affiliated logistics providers. Maersk is planning the possible redirection of some shipments to Jebel Ali and will complement maritime connections with its land transport solutions to serve destinations in the upper Gulf area. To support cargo clearance at the congested Khor Fakkan, Maersk will relocate some containers to an inland container depot at Sajja.