Hapag-Lloyd Launches 61 New Apprenticeships to Shape Global Maritime and Logistics Talent

Hapag-Lloyd Launches 61 New Apprenticeships to Shape Global Maritime and Logistics Talent

(IN BRIEF) Hapag-Lloyd has welcomed 61 new trainees into its maritime education programs, combining onshore and at-sea pathways to train future professionals in logistics, technology, and seafaring. Of these, 29 apprentices begin maritime roles on dedicated training ships—including the Chicago Express—while 32 start shore-based apprenticeships and dual-study degrees in Hamburg. The company offers 12 different training tracks and emphasizes early hands-on responsibility, with most apprentices transitioning into permanent positions upon graduation. Additionally, 38 students are engaged in the VDR’s Ferienfahrer summer program, gaining real-world experience aboard Hapag-Lloyd vessels.

(PRESS RELEASE) HAMBURG, 5-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Hapag-Lloyd welcomes 61 emerging professionals who have embarked on their careers with Germany’s foremost maritime training organization, poised to influence the future of logistics, cutting-edge technology, and seafaring. This diverse cohort illustrates the breadth and international scope of opportunities within the shipping sector, offering a balanced blend of land-based and aboard-ship training.

Out of these newcomers, 29 apprentices are setting sail to start their maritime vocations: 14 will train as ship mechanics and another 14 as nautical officers’ assistants, while one individual joins as a technical officer’s assistant. To foster hands-on learning at sea, Hapag-Lloyd operates two specialized training vessels, including the 8,600-TEU Chicago Express, which routinely voyages between Southern Europe and the U.S. East Coast. This immersive group-voyage initiative stands out in Germany’s maritime education landscape and allows apprentices to gain at-sea experience right from the outset. Following initial instruction, pairs of trainees will rotate through voyages on Hapag-Lloyd’s extensive global fleet of 308 container ships.

Meanwhile, in Hamburg this August, 32 apprentices are beginning shore-side programs. Sixteen will qualify as shipping agents, two will train as office management assistants, and 14 dual work-study students have enrolled in Bachelor of Science degrees. Nine of these students will pursue International Management and Logistics Management at the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA), and five will study Business Informatics and Applied Computer Science at Nordakademie University of Applied Sciences.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this next generation of maritime logistics experts,” said Donya-Florence Amer, Chief Information and Human Resources Officer. “Here at Hapag-Lloyd, we provide varied career pathways. From day one—whether on deck or at a desk—our apprentices take on real responsibilities and join a global community that’s spearheading industry transformation.”

With 12 distinct apprenticeship and dual-study tracks spanning sea and shore, Hapag-Lloyd remains at the forefront of maritime training in Germany. The company’s substantial investment in young talent not only secures lasting career prospects—most apprentices are offered permanent roles upon completing their programs—but also builds the future cadre of seafarers. This summer, 38 students are already participating in the VDR’s Ferienfahrer program, spending their vacation aboard Hapag-Lloyd vessels as they journey around the globe.

About Hapag-Lloyd
With a fleet of 308 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.4 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has 14,000 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.7 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 135 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between 600 ports on all the continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 21 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. 3,000 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.

Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such statements are based on a number of assumptions, estimates, projections or plans that are inherently subject to significant risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Actual results can differ materially from those anticipated in the Company’s forward-looking statements.

Media Contacts:

Nils Haupt
Nils.Haupt@hlag.com      +49 40 3001 – 2263

Jannik Bartosch
Jannik.Bartosch@hlag.com      +49 160 982 996 03

SOURCE: Hapag-Lloyd