A journey through time
This is a story about more than a name. It is one of heritage, progress, and maritime expertise. For more than 50 years, vessels bearing the name “Hamburg Express” have reflected our drive for innovation and commitment to being the “undisputed number one for quality”. With each generation, every “Hamburg Express” has set new benchmarks in technical advancement. However, the name carries a deeper meaning that goes beyond shipping: it connects directly to the city that is not only the home of our headquarters but also the home port of our vessels for almost two centuries.
Today, the latest “Hamburg Express” carries this tradition forward, uniting heritage with the future of sustainable global trade. Take a closer look at the five vessels that have kept the “Hamburg Express” legacy alive for over 50 years.
1972-1993
The very first “Hamburg Express” in Southampton, 1972 – the vessel that carried the name for the longest time to date, from 1933 – 1993.
In July 1972, Hapag-Lloyd introduced the first “Hamburg Express” to its fleet. Measuring 287 meters in length and offering a capacity of 3,010 TEU, the vessel marked a new era in shipping. Built at the Hamburg-based shipyard Blohm + Voss, the vessel stood as a symbol of German expertise in engineering. This vessel's story went beyond technical innovation. In 1975, the crew of the Hamburg Express rescued several people from the distressed coastal motor ship Iraja while en route from Bremerhaven to Rotterdam. A lifeboat was deployed to bring three children, a woman and three men safely on board. After more than two decades of service, the vessel was renamed the “Bremen Express” in April 1993.
1994-2001
Captured here arriving in Hamburg, the “Hamburg Express” went on to sail under the name “Paris Express” from August 2001.
When the second “Hamburg Express” was delivered in December 1994, it showcased how quickly container shipping was evolving. With a capacity of 4,422 TEU, it marked a significant step up from its predecessor and reflected Hapag-Lloyd’s drive to meet the demands of global trade. Larger and more efficient, the vessel embodied both progress and continuity, carrying forward the pioneering spirit of the first “Hamburg Express.” After years of service, it was renamed “Paris Express” in August 2001.
2001-2011
Renamed “Dalian Express” in October 2011, this vessel spent exactly 10 years sailing under the name “Hamburg Express” and is shown here being escorted by a tugboat.
In October 2001, the third “Hamburg Express” became the first of four 7,506 TEU vessels to be put into service, marking another leap in scale and technical innovations. Built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, the new powerhouse measured 320 meters in length, almost the height of the Eiffel Tower, and 42 meters in width, making it one of the fleet's largest vessels at the time. After ten years, it was renamed “Dalian Express”, continuing its journey under a new name.
2012-2022
Now considerably larger than its predecessor, the vessel, currently sailing under the name “Dortmund Express” is guided into port by two tugboats.
When the fourth “Hamburg Express” entered service in July 2012, it redefined what was possible in container shipping. This vessel offered more than four times the capacity of the very first vessel with 13,169 TEU. At 366 meters long, which is equivalent to over three football fields placed end to end, it was built to serve the increasing demands of global trade, offering greater efficiency and capacity. In September 2022, it was renamed “Dortmund Express” and remains in service with Hapag-Lloyd.
2024-now
The latest “Hamburg Express” in its namesake port of Hamburg. On the left, the Elbstrand and behind the vessel, the HHLA Container Terminal Burchardkai.
The latest “Hamburg Express” is the seventh of twelve ships in Hapag-Lloyd's Hamburg Express Class, setting new standards on the world's oceans. With a capacity of 23,664 TEU and a length of almost 400 meters, it is one of the largest ships ever to sail under the German flag — that's the length of four Statues of Liberty lined up end to end, including their pedestals.
Construction began on 11.25.2022 with the first steel cut at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in South Korea. It was delivered in August 2024. Equipped with a modern dual-fuel engine, the “Hamburg Express” contributes to Hapag-Lloyd's ambitious goal of achieving a net-zero fleet by 2045.
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