Hapag-Lloyd Set for Largest Fleet Expansion in 54 Years

This week, Hapag-Lloyd is set to approve the largest order spree in its 54-year history, according to analysts at Alphaliner.

The shipping giant plans to place orders for 24 LNG-dual fuel containerships in China, as highlighted in Alphaliner’s latest weekly report. The order includes twelve 17,000 TEU ships to be built at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and twelve 9,000 TEU vessels at New Times Shipyard, which were recently mentioned in broking reports.

While details on pricing and delivery schedules remain undisclosed, Alphaliner estimates the total cost for the 24 ships to be around $3.96 billion.

In early 2025, Hapag-Lloyd will partner with Maersk to establish the Gemini Cooperation, a new container alliance focusing on the main east-west trade routes.

Earlier this year, Germany’s top carrier unveiled its strategic plans through to 2030, which include substantial fleet expansion. CEO Rolf Habben Jensen called these plans the company’s “most ambitious strategy to date.”