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The “Rotterdam Express” is officially christened – a giant joins the fleet

At the Port of Rotterdam on May 23, Hapag-Lloyd officially named its newest flagship: the Rotterdam Express. Towering nearly 400 meters long and capable of carrying an impressive 23,600 TEU, she ranks among the most powerful and advanced container ships ever to fly the German flag. As part of a cutting-edge class of twelve sister ships, the Rotterdam Express is a bold testament to Hapag-Lloyd’s commitment to sustainable, high-capacity shipping.

The ceremony drew distinguished guests and maritime partners to the heart of Europe’s largest port. It took place at APM Terminals Maasvlakte II, a fitting venue in Europe’s largest port and a strategic hub in global trade. Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen opened the event with a warm welcome, followed by Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam, who spoke about the close and long-standing partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and the port authority.

The "Rotterdam Express"

Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen welcomed the assembled guests with words of appreciation and ambition. He was joined by Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, who reflected on the decades-long partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and the port. Their speeches underscored a shared future built on collaboration, growth, and mutual respect.

Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen welcoming the guests

The honor of christening the vessel fell to Ute Schlotfeldt, wife of former Hapag-Lloyd Executive Board Member Joachim Schlotfeldt. With grace and confidence, she completed the traditional act of breaking a champagne bottle against the hull – a moment met with enthusiastic applause and a special tribute from the crew.

Following the ceremony, Captain Peter Rössler and his crew welcomed guests aboard for guided tours, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a megaship at the cutting edge of maritime technology. From the expansive bridge to the ship’s advanced propulsion systems, visitors got to experience the future of ocean freight firsthand.

Ships godmother Ute Schlotfeldt and Captain Peter Roessler

The “Rotterdam Express” and her eleven sister ships are not only technological milestones but also symbols of Hapag-Lloyd’s global ambitions and commitment to sustainable, high-capacity shipping. And like her sister vessels, she will be deployed in our Far East – North Europe Services within the Gemini Network.