Day of the Seafarer 2025 - Honoring our Crews

This year, the Day of the Seafarer holds a special meaning for all of us at Hapag-Lloyd. It comes just as the final two ships of our innovative Hamburg Express Class – the “Genova Express” and the “Wilhelmshaven Express” – set out on their maiden voyages.

These 24,000 TEU vessels are now entering service in our Gemini network. But no ship sails itself - and no voyage begins without a crew.

So today, we want to recognize the seafarers, who are the very first to take the helm of these remarkable ships. Sailing a maiden voyage is both an honor and a challenge: everything is new, and expectations are high. It takes confidence, precision, and deep professionalism to bring a vessel to life at sea.

Justus Fichthorn, Chief Mate "Wilhelmshaven Express"
The maiden voyage is a proud tradition. We’re the first to take the ship to sea, to test her in full operation - and to welcome her as a true member of the fleet.

On this Day of the Seafarer, we thank everyone who has helped our new vessels set sail - and most of all, those now navigating them forward.

Here’s to fair winds, safe waters, and many more successful voyages for all our vessels and their crews. THANK YOU!