Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet reaches a total capacity of 2.34 million TEUs
HAMBURG : Hapag-Lloyd, the world’s fifth-largest container shipping carrier, has reached a significant milestone in its storied history. Founded in 1847, the company has taken delivery of its 300th chartered vessel, marking the largest fleet size in its history.
The milestone vessel, a 24,480-dwt ship chartered from Reederei NORD Group, joins Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet alongside its sister ships, Nordbaltic and Nordpuma. Although not the largest vessel in the fleet, it represents an important addition. The ships are being constructed by HuangPu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC).
Each vessel has a capacity of 1,930 TEU, including 313 FEU reefer containers, and measures 564 feet (172 meters) in length. According to Hapag-Lloyd, these ships will support its broader fleet renewal strategy and enhance its intra-Asia feeder services.
“This milestone reflects not only the growth of our fleet but the dedication of our teams and the trust of our partners worldwide,” writes Hapag. “According to Hansa Online, Hapag-Lloyd’s capacity grew by an impressive 18.7 percent in 2024, reaching a total of 2.3 million TEU – a testament to our continued focus on connecting global trade.”
In its 2023 annual report, the company said it had 260 container vessels with a capacity of approximately 2 million TEU. It was up from 2020 when it reported 237 vessels and a shipping capacity of 1.7 million TEU.
It is less than 60 years since Hapag entered the container segment. They note in the company history that Sealand’s first container vessel arrived in Hamburg in 1966 and was viewed with skepticism. However, just two years later, Hapag-Lloyd Container Linien, a cooperation between Hapag and North German Lloyd inaugurated the Weser Express (728 TEU) from Bremen, the first European full container service to New York followed just two weeks later by the Elbe Express from Hamburg.
The unthinkable happened in 1970 when long-time German rivals HAPAG (Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-Actien-Gesellschaft) and North German Lloyd (NDL) merged. At the time, the combined fleet was 112 ocean-going vessels.
The current fleet consists of 129 owned vessels and 171 on charter with a total capacity of 2.34 million TEU placing the company fifth in Alphaliner’s ranking of the largest carriers. They calculate the company has 37 vessels on order with a total capacity of 468,000 TEU.
This year also marks a milestone for Hapag as its new cooperation with Maersk, Gemini, is due to start in February 2025. It looks for continued growth and fleet expansion as it pursues the opportunity of the new operating agreement.