Hapag-Lloyd signs contract for 24 newbuildings

Hapag-Lloyd has signed two contracts with Chinese shipyards for the construction of 24 new container ships. The first contract is with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, which will build 12 vessels, each with a capacity of 16,800 TEU. These ships will expand the capacity of existing services.

The second contract is with New Times Shipbuilding Company Ltd., which will build 12 additional ships, each with a capacity of 9,200 TEU. These vessels will replace older ships in the Hapag-Lloyd fleet that are approaching the end of their service life over the coming decade.

The new vessels will be delivered between 2027 and 2029, with a combined capacity of 312,000 TEU and a total investment volume of approximately US$ 4b. Hapag-Lloyd has already secured long-term financing of US$ 3b for the project.

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Hapag-Lloyd has emphasised that all the newbuildings will be equipped with state-of-the-art low-emission, high-pressure liquefied gas dual-fuel engines, which are highly fuel-efficient. Furthermore, the ships will be capable of operating on biomethane, which can reduce CO2e emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional propulsion systems. The vessels will also be ammonia-ready.

One of the largest in recent history

“This investment is one of the largest in the recent history of Hapag-Lloyd and marks a significant milestone as we pursue the goals of our Strategy 2030. This includes growing while modernising and decarbonising our fleet. Operating a fleet of more efficient vessels will also enhance our competitive position, and with the increase in capacity, we will continue to offer our customers a global, high-quality product,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG.

In line with its commitment to the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement, Hapag-Lloyd aims to reduce the absolute GHG emissions of its fleet operations by around one-third by 2030, compared to 2022. This forms part of the company’s broader efforts to achieve net-zero fleet operations by 2045. In addition, the company’s earlier decision in April to retrofit five vessels with methanol propulsion further underscores its commitment to preparing for a multifuel future and driving the decarbonisation of the liner shipping industry.

Hapag-Lloyd currently controls 287 modern container ships with a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU. It also operates the largest fleet sailing under the German flag.