Hapag-Lloyd Welcomes Final Eco-Friendly Giant to Fleet: The Wilhelmshaven Express Completes 23,664 TEU Series

Hamburg, Germany – A pivotal moment in global shipping unfolded recently as German container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd officially welcomed the Wilhelmshaven Express into its formidable fleet. This monumental delivery signifies the completion of the Hamburg Express class, a series of twelve cutting-edge, eco-friendly vessels poised to redefine efficiency and environmental stewardship in maritime logistics.

The Wilhelmshaven Express, boasting an impressive capacity of 23,664 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), was formally handed over to Hapag-Lloyd and swiftly embarked on its inaugural journey. The company proudly announced this milestone via a LinkedIn update, underscoring the vessel's readiness to commence operations. Under the German flag, this colossal boxship is anticipated to make its first port call in Shanghai on June 12th. Following this, its meticulously planned itinerary includes stops in key global trade hubs such as Tanjung Pelepas and Port Tangier Mediterranee, a schedule corroborated by vessel data from Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd's partner in the recently launched Gemini Cooperation, which commenced in February 2025.

Each vessel in the Hamburg Express class, including the 229,347 deadweight tonnage (dwt) Wilhelmshaven Express, was meticulously constructed at the renowned Hanwa Ocean shipyard in South Korea. These engineering marvels are equipped with state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel engines, representing a significant leap forward in reducing the carbon footprint of deep-sea shipping. With an imposing length of 399 meters and a width of 61 meters, these giant containerships are not only designed for massive cargo volumes but are also capable of reaching speeds of up to 22 knots, ensuring timely and efficient deliveries across continents. Their sheer scale and advanced technology have earned them the distinction of being the largest containerships ever to navigate under the German flag.

The strategic deployment of these sustainable vessels on Hapag-Lloyd's critical East-West routes, connecting the vibrant markets of Asia with Europe, highlights the company's proactive approach to fleet modernization. These ships embody a forward-thinking design philosophy, where the integration of LNG dual-fuel propulsion is expected to yield substantial benefits, including a projected 20 to 25% reduction in emissions in the near future. This significant environmental improvement is not solely due to the engines; it's also enabled by a sophisticated network of high-performance marine cables. These specialized cables, designed to withstand the extreme conditions of the open sea – from fluctuating temperatures and constant vibration to exposure to saltwater – are the unsung heroes of modern shipbuilding. They are the arteries of the ship, vital for power distribution to colossal engines and advanced propulsion systems, and indispensable for the complex data transmission that underpins navigation, automated systems, and critical communication. The meticulous selection and professional installation of these marine cables, ensuring their robust insulation, shielding, and fire resistance, are paramount to the vessel's operational integrity, safety, and its ability to maintain peak efficiency. They facilitate the precise control of onboard systems, contributing directly to optimized fuel consumption and, consequently, lower emissions, making them an integral component of Hapag-Lloyd's sustainability drive.

The naming ceremony of the Hamburg Express, the flagship of this distinguished class, in November 2024, underscored Hapag-Lloyd's profound commitment to shaping a more sustainable maritime future. This extensive fleet expansion aligns seamlessly with the company's broader corporate strategy to grow, modernize, and decisively decarbonize its operations. In a powerful alignment with the ambitious 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement, Hapag-Lloyd has set a clear objective: to reduce the absolute greenhouse gas emissions from its fleet operations by approximately one-third compared to 2022 levels. This bold initiative serves as a crucial stepping stone towards their ultimate and highly ambitious goal of achieving net-zero fleet operation by 2045, positioning Hapag-Lloyd as a leader in the global shipping industry's green transition.

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