Port of Koper Sets March Record and Welcomes Hapag-Lloyd’s Al Nasriyah Under Gemini Cooperation

By Admin

14 Apr, 2025

The Port of Koper has marked a historic milestone in March, setting a new monthly record by handling 110,810 TEUs and celebrating the arrival of Al Nasriyah, the first Hapag-Lloyd mother vessel to call at the port under the newly formed Gemini Cooperation alliance.

New Alliance, New Horizons

The Gemini Cooperation, launched in February by Maersk Line in collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd, represents a major strategic shift in global shipping. This new alliance integrates 57 services operated by a combined fleet of 340 vessels—many of them powered by alternative fuels. Among the highlights of this cooperation is a weekly Asia–Adriatic service, connecting key global ports including Shanghai, Ningbo, Tanjung Pelepas, Salalah, and Port Said, with Koper as the first stop in the Adriatic region, followed by Rijeka. On the return leg to Asia, vessels also call at Sri Lanka, currently following the longer, safer route around Africa due to ongoing security considerations.

A Record-Breaking Vessel

The Al Nasriyah, Hapag-Lloyd’s 15,000-TEU container vessel, became the longest ship ever to berth at the Port of Koper. At 368.5 meters in length, it narrowly surpassed the previous record. This vessel not only marks a technological and operational achievement due to its size and capacity but also supports sustainable port operations by being equipped with an on-shore power supply (OPS) system—an important step toward reducing port emissions.

Strategic Port Developments

The Port of Koper, operated by Luka Koper, is rapidly advancing its sustainability and capacity goals. With plans to electrify its operational quays by 2029, the port will significantly cut emissions and noise during vessel dockings. The OPS infrastructure will support both container and cruise ships, positioning Koper as a future-ready, environmentally conscious maritime hub.

Furthermore, Luka Koper is expanding the northern part of Pier I, aiming to accommodate two large ocean-going vessels at the same time. The first phase of this ambitious infrastructure project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Once fully implemented, these upgrades will boost the container terminal’s annual capacity to 1.8 million TEUs.

Double Milestone in March

March was truly historic for Luka Koper—not only did it achieve its highest-ever monthly throughput of 110,810 TEUs, surpassing the previous record of 106,698 TEUs from October 2024, but it also hosted the first calls from both Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk vessels under the Gemini Cooperation. The Maersk Campbell, already a familiar sight in Koper, arrived at the end of March, paving the way for Hapag-Lloyd’s Al Nasriyah just days later.

Conclusion

The Port of Koper’s strategic position, sustainability initiatives, and ongoing infrastructure investments are rapidly transforming it into one of the most significant Adriatic gateways for global trade. The record-breaking call of Al Nasriyah and the success of the Gemini Cooperation partnership underscore Koper’s rising prominence on the maritime map and its role in shaping the future of European port logistics.