Hapag-Lloyd christens flagship of eco-friendly Hamburg Express class

German container shipping major Hapag-Lloyd has christened the 23,660 TEU dual-fuel Hamburg Express, the eponymous flagship of the company’s “Hamburg Express” class.

The ceremony took place at the Container Terminal Burchardkai in the Port of Hamburg on November 4, 2024.

Operating on the FE3 Far East service between Asia and Europe, Hamburg Express is the seventh ship in a series of twelve LNG dual fuel newbuildings being built at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea. With a length of 399 meters and a capacity of 23,660 TEU, these newbuildings are “the largest container ships” ever to sail under the German flag, according to the company.

Thanks to their size, design and LNG dual-fuel engines, the vessels in this class of ships are expected to significantly boost efficiency per container transported and reduce emissions by 20 to 25% already in the near future. 

Specifically, Hamburg Express can already run on biomethane and e-methane, preparing for a future powered by non-fossil fuels as they become available worldwide.

“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. The naming of the ship underlines the deep connection between Hamburg and Hapag-Lloyd, which goes back more than 175 years. I wish the Hamburg Express and her crew safe voyages and always enough water under the keel,” Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, commented.

A few days ago, the German shipping heavyweight also christened Gdansk Express, the eighth addition to the Hamburg Express class. The christening ceremony was held at the Hanwa Ocean yard in South Korea.

In related news, Hapag-Lloyd placed last month orders for up to thirty LNG dual-fuel container vessels in China.

The company ordered ten firm plus five optional 17,000 TEU units at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, according to data provided by Intermodal.

What is more, the Hamburg-based carrier contracted another Chinese shipbuilder, New Times Shipbuilding, for the construction of ten firm plus five optional 9,200 TEU boxships.

The new ships are expected to help the company in its efforts to operate the entire fleet in a climate-neural manner by 2045.