Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd’s Gemini Cooperation is signalling it may introduce a premium charge for its near-90% schedule reliability, far above the global average, but shippers are divided on paying extra. Some BCOs argue reliability should be a basic service expectation, while others shipping seasonal or high-value goods see real financial benefit in faster, predictable transit times. Gemini says that improved reliability allows customers to reduce inventory, and carriers want to capture a portion of that value. Analysts note that ocean shipping has long normalized poor reliability, making pushback unsurprising. Both Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd say any premium will only come once consistent performance is demonstrated.
