“With the investment in six ultra large container vessels we will not only be able to reduce slot costs and improve our competitiveness on the Europe – Far East trade, but also take a significant step forward in modernizing our fleet. Additionally we will further reduce our environmental impact," commented Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd.

The vessels will be fitted with LNG dual-fuel engines, and delivery is scheduled for April to December 2023.

Hapag-Lloyd says that as part of THE Alliance, the vessels will be stationed on Europe's Far East routes.

The six ships will see an investment of about $1 billion, with funding already secured.

Hapag-Lloyd had been working early in the year to place an order for the vessels, but placed plans on ice back in April when, thanks to Covid-19, demand for container transport had plummeted.

Maritime Business World