Hamburg, Germany | October 28, 2025 – Hapag-Lloyd has officially christened its newest ultra-large container vessel, the Wilhelmshaven Express, at the Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven. This vessel represents the twelfth and final ship of the Hamburg Express class, marking the successful conclusion of a comprehensive three-year newbuild program that has redefined the company’s fleet and reinforced its commitment to sustainable, innovative, and high-efficiency shipping solutions.
The naming ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Wibke Friedrichs, wife of former board member Anthony Firmin (COO), who performed the christening, and Olaf Lies, Minister-President of Lower Saxony. Customers, business partners, and media representatives attended to witness this pivotal moment in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet modernization journey.
A Landmark in Sustainable Shipping
The Wilhelmshaven Express boasts a capacity of 23,660 TEU and features dual-fuel propulsion capable of running on both LNG and biomethane. This design allows significant reductions in CO₂ emissions, supporting Hapag-Lloyd’s ongoing strategy to achieve long-term environmental goals while maintaining operational efficiency. The vessel is deployed on the Gemini Cooperation’s NE1 service, providing a high-capacity link between Asia and Northern Europe.
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, commented “The Wilhelmshaven Express and its eleven sister vessels symbolize our unwavering commitment to reducing emissions, delivering quality leadership, and pursuing long-term strategic growth.”
He also emphasized the strategic role of the Container Terminal Wilhelmshaven “The deep-water port is a critical hub for Hapag-Lloyd and the Gemini Cooperation. Its efficient cargo handling, consistent processes, and direct access to major trade lanes strengthen the resilience of our customers’ supply chains across Northern Europe.”
Hamburg Express Class: A Fleet of Innovation
Constructed at Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea, the Hamburg Express class represents one of the most significant fleet investments in Hapag-Lloyd’s history, totaling USD 2 billion. Each vessel measures 399 meters in length and is engineered to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional designs. The “Berlin Express,” the first vessel in Hapag-Lloyd’s new 24,000 TEU Hamburg Express class, was delivered and entered service in June 2023.
The twelve vessels in the class are:
- Berlin Express (The first in the series)
- Manila Express
- Hanoi Express
- Busan Express
- Singapore Express
- Damietta Express
- Hamburg Express
- Gdansk Express
- Bangkok Express
- Rotterdam Express
- Genova Express
- Wilhelmshaven Express
Hamburg Express Class: Ultra-Large, Sustainable, and Future-Ready
The Hamburg Express Class represents Hapag-Lloyd’s flagship series of ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), designed for fleet modernization, sustainability, and operational excellence. Key specifications and features include:
Core Specifications
- Nominal Capacity: ~23,660 TEU — the largest container ships to sail under the German flag
- Length Overall: 399 meters (~1,309 feet)
- Beam (Breadth): 61 meters
- Reefer Plugs: 1,500, enabling a large capacity for refrigerated containers
- Engine Power: ~58,270 kW (~78,135 hp)
Sustainability & Efficiency Features
- Dual-Fuel Technology (LNG & VLSFO): Reduces CO₂ emissions by 15–25% and cuts SOₓ and soot emissions by ~95% compared to traditional marine diesel
- Future-Proof Fuel: Engines can operate on bio-methane and e-methane, potentially reducing GHG emissions by up to 95% over the ship’s lifetime
- Optimized Hydrodynamics: Hull and bulbous bow design reduce fuel consumption by ~3%
- High-Efficiency Propellers: Custom-designed to minimize energy use and emissions
- Shore Power Connection (Cold Ironing): Switch off auxiliary diesel engines in port to eliminate emissions
Technological & Operational Features
- Virtual Navigation System: AI-driven route planning and monitoring, optimized using real-time weather data
- Enhanced Fire-Fighting System: High-output fire hydrants and built-in hatch cover nozzles to prevent fire spread
- Crew Welfare: Starlink satellite antenna provides high-speed Wi-Fi for connectivity and communication at sea
These innovations make the Hamburg Express Class a cornerstone of Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to operating a climate-neutral fleet by 2045.
Future Fleet Expansion
Looking forward, Hapag-Lloyd is preparing its next major fleet expansion: a 24-vessel program featuring 12 ships with a 16,800 TEU capacity and 12 vessels with 9,200 TEU capacity. These vessels will feature state-of-the-art, low-emission, high-pressure dual-fuel engines and will also be compatible with biomethane, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional systems. Deliveries are scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
About Hapag-Lloyd
Hapag-Lloyd is a global leader in liner shipping, operating a fleet of 313 modern container vessels with a total capacity of 2.5 million TEU. Including refrigerated containers, its total container capacity reaches 3.7 million TEU. The company operates around 133 liner services worldwide, serving over 600 ports across all continents. With approximately 14,000 employees across 400 offices in 140 countries, Hapag-Lloyd ensures reliable, high-quality maritime logistics.
In addition, Hapag-Lloyd holds equity stakes in 21 container terminals across Europe, Latin America, the United States, India, and North Africa, employing around 3,000 people to provide integrated logistics solutions alongside terminal operations.
Source: Hapag-Lloyd