Michael Kowitz Captain of the “Berlin Express”
In June 2023, a dedicated crew of 27 seafarers embarked on the maiden voyage of the “Berlin Express”, the first vessel of the new Hamburg Express Class. Among them were Captain Michael Kowitz, Electrical Engineers Ionotc Apetroaei and Roque Mendoza and Officer of the Watch Romil Lomoljo – all them determined to make the first voyage count. Explore their personal stories from a voyage full of many firsts.
A light haze hangs over the water as the “Berlin Express” cuts effortlessly through the waves. On the bridge, Captain Michael Kowitz looks out across the sea. In front of him is an array of glowing monitors, switches and navigation systems. Kowitz calmly checks the ships’s course and speed, all while staying in radio contact with his crew. The immensity of his responsibility is palpable. “Putting a ship of a completely new class into service does something to you,” he says. Kowitz has already overseen several maiden voyages. “But this one is something special,” he says.
On June 14, 2023 – at almost 400 meters long, 61 meters wide, and with a container capacity of 23,660 TEU – the “Berlin Express” became the largest container ship ever to sail under the German flag.
“Standing here on day one, I’m not thinking about size or numbers. I’m thinking about the crew, about the responsibility we carry, and about getting her safely to her first destination. That’s what really matters out here.”
Captain Kowitz has seen many ships – but this one is different. Learn how he experienced the maiden voyage and what’s non-negotiable for him on day one.
“At sea, everything depends on trust – in each other and in every single role on board. That’s what makes us a team. Even the most advanced ship is only as strong as the people who run it.”
Together on a great voyage
As the South Korean island of Geoje fades into the distance, a sense of excited anticipation spreads across the ship. Over the past 18 months, the “Berlin Express” has been built at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard. She is the first of a dozen vessels in the new Hamburg Express Class.
In June 2023, she is finally ready to set sail on her maiden voyage: The route takes the crew of 27 to the Persian Gulf, back to Shanghai, and from there around the Cape of Good Hope and then north toward Hamburg. They have 30,250 nautical miles ahead of them. In addition to being technically and logistically demanding, voyages of this length and duration also challenge the crew on every level.
A glance at the different work areas, from the engine room to the bridge, shows just how varied the tasks on board are.
Captain Michael Kowitz on the deck of the “Berlin Express”
Roque R. Mendoza (left) and Ionotc Apetroaei (right) Electrical engineers on the “Berlin Express”
Teamwork below deck
The heart of the “Berlin Express” beats deep down in the engine room – and that’s where you’ll find Ionotc Apetroaei. The electrical engineer from Romania has been with Hapag-Lloyd since 2021.
“I like the challenges on board,” he says. “When a problem arises, we work together to find a solution – until everything is running smoothly again.”
Apetroaei is standing in the middle of the high-tech engine room, which is full of constantly blinking control systems and indicators. The ship runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG) – a first for Apetroaei. “We were specially trained to work with LNG,” he explains. “Safety is everything down here.”
Working alongside Apetroaei is Roque R. Mendoza Jr., an electrical engineer from the Philippines who has been with Hapag-Lloyd for over a decade. Even with all this experience under his belt, working on the “Berlin Express” is also special for Mendoza. “It has more sensors than any other ship I’ve ever been on,” he says with a laugh. But the complex safety systems give him and his family peace of mind. “I have three children, so I truly value these kinds of safety precautions.”
Watch how Ionotc Apetroaei and Roque R. Mendoza Jr. keep the heart of the ship beating – and why safety means everything below deck.
Teamspirit The crew of the “Berlin Express” (June 2023)
Vision on the bridge
Romil Lomoljo leans over the digital route planner. His fingertips glide across the screen as he checks waypoints and zooms in on the next stretch of open sea. The Filipino officer of the watch from the island of Palawan knows that every detail counts. Winds, currents, port schedules – precision is everything.
Route planning is just one part of his job. He also stands watch on the bridge, ensures safe maneuvering and plays a key role during mooring. But being part of the maiden voyage of the “Berlin Express” makes these duties feel even more meaningful.
“I was overwhelmed when I saw the ship for the first time in the shipyard.”
Lomoljo’s enthusiasm for shipping began on his father’s fishing boat. When he told his grandfather – who was also a fisherman – that the ship he will now be on can actually use different types of fuel, he could hardly believe it. “I had to convince him it’s possible,” he says with a grin.
But what moves Lomoljo most is not the dual-fuel engine that can use either LNG or conventional fuel (and potentially also biomethane and e-methane). Nor is it the sheer size of the “Berlin Express”. Instead, it is how the vessel embodies the idea of change and progress. “I’m glad that Hapag-Lloyd is serious about reducing carbon and sulfur emissions,” he says. “We have not only an ecological responsibility, but also one to society.”
Romil Lomoljo Officer of the watch on the “Berlin Express”
Step onto the bridge with Romil Lomoljo, Officer of the watch from a Filipino fishing family. Find out what it means to navigate one of the world’s most advanced container ships.
Twelve flagships for the future
The maiden voyage of the “Berlin Express” marked the beginning of a new era for Hapag-Lloyd. The twelve identical giants of the Hamburg Express Class – all of them technically advanced streamlined for efficiency – are helping the carrier embark on a clear course toward sustainability.
To fully exploit their potential, the ships of this new class operate exclusively on the cargo-intensive Far East route between Asia and Europe. Between entering service in June 2023 and July 2025, the “Berlin Express” covered roughly 193,250 nautical miles (358,000 km) – saving 33,405 metric tons of CO₂ in the process.
But despite all the cutting-edge technology, one thing remains true:
“Technology alone doesn’t make a ship great,” says Captain Kowitz. “What brings everything to life is the people, their skills, their decisions and their teamwork.”
And that, perhaps, is the real story of this voyage.
Since entering service, the “Berlin Express” has already covered approximately 193,250 nautical miles.
Source:Hapag-Lloyd (as of July 2025)
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