Hapag-Lloyd has announced that it will leverage green financing to fund the construction of 24 state-of-the-art container ships, ordered in October 2024. These vessels will have a combined capacity of 312,000 TEU and represent a total investment of approximately US$4 billion.
The financing structure consists of four key components:
- Around US$900 million will be covered using the company’s funds.
- Two banks will provide US$500 million in bilateral mortgage loans.
- Three leasing structures will finance US$1.8 billion of the investment.
- A syndicated credit facility backed by the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) will contribute US$1.1 billion.
Overall, approximately 80% of the investment will be financed, with loan maturities ranging between 10 and 18 years.
Hapag-Lloyd will execute this financing under its Green Financing Framework, which aligns with the Green Loan Principles set by the Loan Market Association (LMA). The framework’s compliance and the vessels’ energy efficiency have been independently verified by the international classification society DNV, ensuring their adherence to the EU Taxonomy.
Commitment to Sustainability
Mark Frese, CFO/CPO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet while prioritizing environmental sustainability. “We are continuously modernizing our fleet to deliver high-quality service and achieve our ambitious decarbonization goals. The successful conclusion of several attractive financial transactions confirms that green financing is becoming increasingly important. Additionally, we are pleased to be financing newbuild projects in China for the first time through the Sinosure transaction.”
Hapag-Lloyd remains fully committed to the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Agreement and aims to cut its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2030, compared to 2022 levels. This is a significant step toward achieving net-zero fleet operations by 2045.
The 24 new ships will be constructed in China and equipped with high-pressure liquefied gas dual-fuel engines, enabling them to operate on biomethane. This alternative fuel can reduce CO₂e emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional propulsion systems. Additionally, the vessels will be ammonia-ready, ensuring long-term adaptability to future green fuel solutions. The ships are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029.
By integrating cutting-edge fuel-efficient technology and securing sustainable financing, Hapag-Lloyd is reinforcing its leadership in green maritime logistics and setting new standards for eco-conscious global shipping.
