German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has officially taken delivery of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel 23,660 TEU containership from South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean.
The vessel, named Hamburg Express, is the seventh in a series of twelve ships from the company’s latest Hamburg Express class, recognized as the largest containerships to sail under the German flag.
Largest Containerships Under German Flag
Hapag-Lloyd placed an order for a total of twelve 23,500+ TEU ships at Hanwha Ocean, previously known as Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). The Hamburg Express will be officially christened by First Lady Eva-Maria Tschentscher in Hamburg on November 4, 2026.
Advanced Dual-Fuel Technology
Each ship in the series features high-pressure dual-fuel engines capable of operating on LNG, with additional tank capacity to run on conventional fuels when needed. Hapag-Lloyd has stated that these engines are also compatible with non-fossil fuels, such as bio-methane and e-methane, drastically reducing CO2 emissions.
In a strategic partnership, Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) has signed a multi-year agreement to supply liquefied natural gas to Hapag-Lloyd’s vessels. The company expects LNG to cut CO2 emissions by up to 25% and soot emissions by 95%. Additionally, the vessels are equipped with advanced components, including an optimized hull design and a highly efficient propeller, to further reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Serving the Asia-Europe Route
The Hamburg Express class vessels operate on the cargo-heavy Far East route between Asia and Europe, playing a crucial role in reducing environmental impact along one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
Meeting Environmental Goals Amidst Global Challenges
Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet expansion with eco-friendly ships also addresses capacity bottlenecks caused by geopolitical tensions. The company has already welcomed several LNG dual-fuel containerships into its fleet, including Berlin Express, Manila Express, Singapore Express, Iquique Express, and Damietta Express.
These new ships contribute significantly to Hapag-Lloyd’s long-term goal of operating a climate-neutral fleet by 2045.
