Image credit: Hapag-Lloyd

Twelfth and final vessel of the Hamburg Express class

A milestone in sustainability, innovation, and strategic growth

The morning (October 28, 2025), Hapag-Lloyd celebrated the naming of the “Wilhelmshaven Express” at Jade Weser Port in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The vessel was christened by Wibke Friedrichs, wife of former Hapag-Lloyd Executive Board member Anthony Firmin (COO), who served as the ship’s naming patron. The ceremony was attended by Lower Saxony’s Minister-President Olaf Lies, alongside customers, business partners, and members of the press.

The event marked not only the christening of a state-of-the-art container ship but also the completion of Hapag-Lloyd’s transformative three-year newbuilding program. The “Wilhelmshaven Express” is the 12th and final vessel in the Hamburg Express class, a series of ultra-large container ships that have reshaped the company’s fleet and set new standards in sustainability and productivity.

With a capacity of 23,660 TEU and dual-fuel propulsion (LNG and biomethane), the vessel operates on the Gemini Cooperation’s NE1 service, connecting Asia and Northern Europe with maximum efficiency and reduced emissions.

Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd, stated:

“The ‘Wilhelmshaven Express’ and its eleven sister vessels are not only the largest ships in our fleet — they also symbolize our firm commitment to continuously reduce emissions, to maintain quality leadership, and to drive long-term strategic growth.”

Jansen also emphasized the importance of Wilhelmshaven Container Terminal:

“The deep-water port has established itself as a reliable and efficient hub for Hapag-Lloyd and the Gemini Cooperation. With consistent processes, efficient cargo handling, and direct connections to major trade lanes such as the Far East and the Atlantic, it plays a vital role in strengthening our network and improving the resilience of our customers’ supply chains across Northern Europe.”

Image credit: Hapag-Lloyd

The Hamburg Express class was built at Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea with a total investment of USD 2 billion, representing one of the most significant fleet expansions in Hapag-Lloyd’s history. Each vessel measures 399 meters in length and features advanced technology that helps reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional designs.

Looking ahead, Hapag-Lloyd is preparing for its next major newbuild program, which includes 24 state-of-the-art vessels. Of these, 12 ships will have a capacity of 16,800 TEU and the other 12 ships 9,200 TEU. All will be powered by next-generation low-emission, high-pressure dual-fuel engines, capable of running on biomethane, which can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional propulsion systems. The delivery of these new vessels is scheduled between 2027 and 2029, underscoring Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to a modern and sustainable fleet.

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Edited by: Cofast News Editorial Team (according to Hapag-Lloyd)

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