Hapag-Lloyd confirms plan to invest in up to 22 new smaller containerships | Container news

Germany’s container shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd has confirmed plans to invest in up to 22 new container ships, as part of the ongoing modernization and decarbonization of its fleet.

The German company has decided to invest in new ships in the segment with capacities of less than 5,000 teu – probably a mix of long-term (L/T) charters and owned vessels.

Despite the volatile development of demand and freight rates in the nine-months of 2025, Hapag-Lloyd took the decision to invest in up to 22 new ships in smaller vessel classes, an important milestone on its path to improve efficiency and net-zero fleet operations by 2045.

The new US tariff policy led to a volatile development in demand and freight rates in the first nine-month period. At the same time, problems at major seaports and the ongoing tense security situation in the Red Sea impacted operational development.

In this challenging market environment, Hapag-Lloyd Group revenue increased by 2.1% to €14.4bn (compared to nine-month period of 2024: €14.1bn).

As the business performance is in line with expectations, the executive board has further narrowed the earnings forecast for the current financial year. Group EBITDA is now expected in the range of €2.8 to 3.2bn (previously: €2.5 to 3.4bn) and Group EBIT in the range of €0.5 to 1.0bn (previously: €0.2 to 1.1bn).

In light of major geopolitical challenges and volatile freight rates, Hapag-Lloyd said the forecast is subject to a high degree of uncertainty.

As of end-September, Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet portfolio consisted of 305 container vessels (31 December 2024: 299) with a transport capacity of 2.5 million TEU (31 December 2024: 2.3 million TEU).

At the same period, Hapag-Lloyd’s order book comprised of 24 newbuilds with a total capacity of 312 TTEU which are to be delivered by 2029.

Rolf Habben Jansen, chief executive officer of Hapag-Lloyd AG, commented: “The first nine months were characterized by a highly volatile market environment, partly due to geopolitical developments and uncertainties surrounding trade policies.

“On the back of strong demand from our customers we delivered strong transport volume growth and achieved a solid overall result. With the Gemini network, we set a new quality benchmark in terms of schedule reliability, which clearly sets us apart from our competitors.

“We see first cost advantages from Gemini and will deliver the planned savings in full in the course of 2026. Additionally, we have further expanded our terminal business under the Hanseatic Global Terminals brand. Looking ahead, we will respond agilely to changes in global trade and maintain strict cost discipline. While doing so, we will not compromise on quality for our customers.”