German Shipping Major Hapag-Lloyd Expands Fleet with New ‘Hamburg Express’ Class Vessel

German container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd continues to strengthen its fleet with the addition of the eleventh vessel from the ‘Hamburg Express’ class. The latest 24,000 TEU container ship, named Genova Express, was recently christened at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Okpo, South Korea. This new addition is set to join the Far East–North Europe Service as part of the company’s innovative Gemini Cooperation.

The ‘Hamburg Express’ class is a remarkable series of 12 dual-fuel containerships that are powered by LNG, with the capability to run on sustainable alternatives like green methane. These vessels are hailed as the largest containerships under the German flag and are equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines designed to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions by 20 to 25% in the near future.

The flagship vessel of this series, Hamburg Express, was ceremoniously named at the Container Terminal Burchardkai in the Port of Hamburg on November 4, 2024, marking a significant milestone for Hapag-Lloyd.

Hapag-Lloyd’s Ongoing Expansion

In a strategic move to further expand its fleet, Hapag-Lloyd recently placed an order for six 16,800 TEU container ships at the Hanwa Ocean shipyard in South Korea. The Greek shipbroker Intermodal reported this development, stating that the vessels are expected to feature LNG dual-fuel propulsion and are scheduled for delivery starting from 2027.

While Hanwa Ocean has expressed optimism about securing the contract with Hapag-Lloyd, no final decision has been confirmed yet. The potential deal, valued at $1.2 billion, would see Hapag-Lloyd investing $200 million per unit for these environmentally-friendly vessels.

With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Hapag-Lloyd continues to make strides in the maritime industry by embracing cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly solutions for its fleet.