The “Genova Express” is officially christened – a shared journey

In keeping with maritime tradition, the ceremony included speeches by representatives from both Hapag-Lloyd and Hanwha Ocean. The ship's godmother, Mrs. Cheryl Huebecker, captured the spirit of the occasion with a precise and powerful champagne bottle break against the hull. “Such a strong and joyful woman,” noted Dheeraj Bhatia, member of the executive board of Hapag-Lloyd AG and CEO of the Rooterdam-based Hapag-Lloyd Terminal Holding, visibly impressed by the energy and emotion she brought to the moment.

Following the naming, guests were invited aboard for a guided tour by Captain Danica Menze, who will command the Genova Express on her maiden voyage. The traditional horn blowing echoed across the shipyard – an audible signal that this vessel is ready to begin her service life. 

Delivering a vessel of this scale is no small feat. The final days at the shipyard were filled with activity – engineers running tests, painters adding the final touches, IT specialists ensuring the digital systems were shipshape. As one of the Hanwha sea trial commanders put it: “Until the moment of delivery, the vessel is under our command. Leading the "Genova Express" through her sea and gas trials was a great responsibility – and a great honor. It’s the final test before she begins her true life at sea.” 

Vaidheeswaran Murugaiah, Fleet IT Manager at Hapag-Lloyd, who traveled from Hapag-Lloyd’s Chennai office to install and test vital onboard systems, shared his enthusiasm: “Coming from a traditional office environment, it’s exciting to be hands-on here in the shipyard. Seeing the Genova Express become sea-ready is a unique and rewarding experience.” 

On the afternoon of May 15, 2025, the “Genova Express” cast off her lines and left Okpo for good, bound for Ningbo, China. There, she will phase into Hapag-Lloyd’s NE1 service, connecting the Far East to Northern Europe as part of the Gemini Cooperation. The Genova Express is expected to call Wilhelmshaven for the first time on July 1, 2025, bringing her name full circle back to Europe. With a highly trained crew under the command of Captain Menze and the backing of Hapag-Lloyd’s global operations team, she’s set to serve as a powerful and reliable link in the company’s growing fleet.