Hapag-Lloyd is pressing ahead with a fleet renewal programme that could see up to 22 new container vessels added in the sub-5,000 TEU class. The Hamburg-based carrier said the move is part of its long-term strategy to modernise and decarbonise operations, reports Taiwan's Steel News.

The company said the new ships will be a mix of owned and long-term chartered units. It described the initiative as a milestone in improving efficiency and progressing toward net-zero fleet operations by 2045.

The investment targets smaller vessel classes to replace ageing tonnage and reduce exposure to costly charter markets. Hapag-Lloyd said fuel-efficient designs will help cut costs and emissions.

Market sources said the carrier has approached Chinese shipyards for two series of vessels. Indicative prices are US$60 million for the smaller ships and $70 million for the larger ones.