Hapag-Lloyd orders eight dual-fuel methanol containerships from CIMC Raffles, enhancing sustainability and efficiency in shipping.
Hapag-Lloyd has contracted the Chinese shipyard CIMC Raffles to construct eight 4,500-TEU containerships equipped with dual-fuel methanol engines. This deal, valued at over US$500 million, was reported by London's SeaNews.
The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029 and are expected to achieve up to 30 percent greater efficiency compared to older ships of similar size. By utilizing methanol propulsion, they could potentially save as much as 350,000 tonnes of CO2e annually.
This new order will enhance Hapag-Lloyd's dual-fuel fleet, which currently includes 37 LNG-powered units capable of operating on biomethane. In April 2024, the company reached an agreement with Seaspan Corp to convert five 10,000 TEU ships to methanol propulsion. Additionally, in November 2024, Hapag-Lloyd secured a supply of 250,000 metric tons of green methanol per year from Goldwind.
Chief Executive Rolf Habben Jansen emphasized that modernizing the fleet is a key component of Strategy 2030. He noted that the new ships will replace older tonnage, reduce emissions, decrease reliance on the charter market, and lower operating costs.
Furthermore, Hapag-Lloyd plans to charter 14 additional newbuildings in the 1,800-TEU, 3,500-TEU, and 4,500-TEU classes between 2027 and 2029. Overall, the company is investing in 22 vessels under 5,000 TEU capacity as part of its commitment to decarbonize operations and enhance sustainability in container shipping.
