German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed a significant fleet expansion with an order for 24 LNG dual-fuel container ships, valued at around $4 billion. This order is split between two major Chinese shipbuilders, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group and New Times Shipbuilding, each of which will build twelve vessels. This substantial investment is part of Hapag-Lloyd’s long-term strategy to modernize and decarbonize its fleet, aligning with its Strategy 2030 goals.

The twelve ships ordered from Yangzijiang will have a capacity of 16,800 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) each, primarily to enhance the capacity of Hapag-Lloyd’s existing global service routes. This move aims to boost the efficiency and volume of Hapag-Lloyd’s shipping operations in high-demand routes. On the other hand, the twelve vessels being constructed by New Times Shipbuilding will have a capacity of 9,200 TEU each and are intended to replace older ships in the fleet. Many of these older vessels will be approaching the end of their service life within the decade, making these new ships key to maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability in the fleet.

Each of the new vessels will be powered by advanced, low-emission, high-pressure LNG dual-fuel engines. These engines are known for their fuel efficiency and environmental benefits, as they are designed to be compatible with cleaner fuels such as biomethane. By utilizing biomethane, these ships could achieve up to a 95% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional marine engines, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of Hapag-Lloyd’s operations. The ships are also built to be "ammonia-ready," meaning they are designed to be adaptable to future green fuel technologies as they become available. This flexibility supports Hapag-Lloyd’s broader commitment to achieving greener shipping solutions and aligns with industry-wide goals for a more sustainable maritime industry.

The delivery of these new ships is expected between 2027 and 2029, with the collective capacity of the fleet additions reaching 312,000 TEU. This major fleet expansion will further strengthen Hapag-Lloyd’s position as a global shipping leader, improving its ability to meet growing demand for sustainable, high-capacity shipping solutions.

This $4 billion fleet investment, backed by $3 billion in committed long-term financing, is among the largest in Hapag-Lloyd’s recent history. CEO Rolf Habben Jansen emphasized that the investment underscores the company’s dedication to sustainable growth. "This investment is a significant milestone for our company," he stated, highlighting the company’s aim to modernize and decarbonize its fleet while enhancing service quality for customers worldwide.

Hapag-Lloyd currently operates 287 containerships with a total capacity of 2.2 million TEU, making it one of the world’s leading liner companies and the largest fleet under the German flag. Recently, the company introduced its flagship, the 23,660 TEU dual-fuel Hamburg Express, symbolizing Hapag-Lloyd’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability in global shipping.