In a significant event underscoring Hapag-Lloyd‘s commitment to sustainable shipping, the container shipping giant has christened its new flagship vessel, the ‘Hamburg Express,’ at the Container Terminal Burchardkai in the Port of Hamburg. The ceremony, held this morning, saw Hamburg’s First Lady, Eva Maria Tschentscher, perform the traditional christening, celebrating this next-generation vessel that combines technological innovation and environmental responsibility.
The “Hamburg Express” operates on the FE3 Far East service, linking Asia and Europe, a strategically essential route for global trade. As the seventh of twelve vessels in Hapag-Lloyd’s advanced 23,660 TEU fleet, the “Hamburg Express” showcases dual-fuel technology and advanced design, marking a significant leap forward in the company’s sustainability goals.
“With the ‘Hamburg Express,’ we are setting new standards in technology and sustainability. She will reinforce our status as the number one in quality and efficiency for our customers, especially on the strategically important Far East-Europe routes,” stated Rolf Habben Jansen, Chief Executive Officer of Hapag-Lloyd, highlighting the vessel’s dual focus on operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
Hamburg’s First Mayor, Dr. Peter Tschentscher, echoed the significance of the new vessel, saying, “The Hamburg Express is a flagship for the world-class shipping company Hapag-Lloyd and for Hamburg as a strong and cosmopolitan port city. The ship class sets new standards in sustainability and economic efficiency, making shipping even more climate-friendly. This is in line with the objectives of Hamburg’s port strategy and climate protection policy.”
He further emphasized the long-standing connection between Hamburg and Hapag-Lloyd, which has been a cornerstone of the city’s maritime legacy for over 175 years. The mayor extended his best wishes for the ship’s future journeys, hoping for “safe voyages and always enough water under the keel.”
Advanced Specifications and Environmental Benefits
Built by Hanwha Ocean in South Korea, the “Hamburg Express” boasts impressive dimensions, with a length of 399 meters and a capacity of 23,660 TEU, making it one of the largest container vessels ever registered under the German flag. The vessel’s dual-fuel technology enables it to operate on both traditional marine fuel and cleaner-burning LNG, resulting in a reduction of emissions by approximately 20-25% per container transported. This cutting-edge capability supports Hapag-Lloyd’s ambitious environmental targets, addressing growing demands for sustainable shipping solutions.
With a class-leading design, the “Hamburg Express” and its sister ships exemplify the industry’s push towards decarbonization, utilizing technologies that will enable substantial efficiency gains and reduced emissions in the near term. The fleet of twelve vessels is strategically aligned with global initiatives aimed at minimizing maritime industry emissions, reinforcing Hapag-Lloyd’s reputation as a leader in sustainable shipping practices.
About Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, operating a modern fleet of 287 container vessels with a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU. The company is distinguished by its extensive global presence, with around 13,700 employees and over 400 offices in 140 countries.
The company’s commitment to quality extends to its Terminal & Infrastructure segment, where it holds equity stakes in 20 terminals worldwide, spanning Europe, Latin America, the United States, India, and North Africa. These terminals enhance Hapag-Lloyd’s logistics and service offerings, providing seamless and efficient container handling across a network of 600 global ports.
With its investment in sustainable technologies, the “Hamburg Express” christening event marks a milestone in Hapag-Lloyd’s strategy to meet future demands for eco-efficient shipping solutions. As this fleet expansion unfolds, Hapag-Lloyd remains at the forefront of the industry, driving forward both global trade efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Source Hapag-Lloyd