On 13 October 2026, Container News reported that Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd will relaunch the FM1 service under the Gemini Cooperation, restoring direct connectivity between Asia and the Middle East. ShippingWatch reported the same day that FM1 had been suspended since March.
The rotation is Qingdao, Ningbo, Tanjung Pelepas, Khor Fakkan, Singapore and back to Qingdao. The first sailing will be operated by Maersk Athabasca on voyage 642W, scheduled to depart Qingdao on 17 October 2026 and arrive at Khor Fakkan in the UAE on 16 November.
The carriers say the relaunch adds direct ocean capacity to Khor Fakkan, and Maersk's existing inland transport services will provide onward connections to destinations across the Upper Gulf. Existing Middle East booking restrictions and cargo acceptance guidelines remain in effect, and further Gemini service adjustments will depend on developments in the region.
For buyers sourcing from North and East China, FM1 offers a direct China-origin option to the Gulf with two Chinese load ports. Check cut-off dates for the first Qingdao and Ningbo calls, compare transit time against transshipment routings, and plan for roughly a month on the water from Qingdao to Khor Fakkan.