To guarantee a high reliability Hapag-Lloyd implemented strict maintenance and repair standards. We rely on durable materials with a robust design.  As early as 1995, Hapag-Lloyd used water-soluble varnishes to paint its containers. When the paint dries, no solvent is released into the atmosphere. We are in close contact with the respective manufacturers and support them actively to optimize this process. Quickly renewable woods such as bamboo, birch, and larch are increasingly used to construct the container’s inner floor. Containers with steel floors are successfully used as well. They can be completely recycled when they are no longer serviceable.

Hapag-Lloyd possesses one of the largest and most modern reefer container fleet in the world. We were one of the first shipping lines to introduce highly energy-efficient reefers, which currently make up the bulk of our reefer fleet. The compressors on the reefers only run when power is needed to keep a desired inner temperature in a range from minus 35 to plus 30 degrees centigrade. This intelligent performance control relieves the environment by saving large quantities of energy. The coolant used in our reefers is CFC-free (without Chlorofluorocarbon).
Apart from the high performance wall insulation, we increasingly rely on light materials like aluminium for the interior cladding of our reefers. This reduces the reefer’s weight and the vessels fuel consumption and consequently the  CO2 -footprint.
Recently, a new reefer container type passed its first tests on  Hapag-Lloyd vessels. Carrier Transicold developed the generator which operates with CO2 instead of the conventional coolant. The CO2 used is a natural gas that comes from the atmosphere If  it escapes during improper handling of the generator, there will be no substantial damage to the climate. The conventional coolant on the other hand can impact the environment if it leaks from the cooling circuit.

We strive to continuously improve the environmental friendly solutions on our container fleet. To expand our information base and be innovative, we actively uphold our communication with our customers, partners, and various institutions / associations. (A new reefer container type passed its first tests on  Hapag-Lloyd vessels. Carrier Transicold developed the generator which operates with CO2 instead of the conventional coolant. The CO2 used is a natural gas that comes from the atmosphere If  it escapes during improper handling of the generator, there will be no substantial damage to the climate. The conventional coolant on the other hand can impact the environment if it leaks from the cooling circuit.) The use of CO2 is the most difficult solution but also the most sustainable one.
Hapag-Lloyd works with various industrie associations such as the Container Owners Association (COA), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the  Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) to develop innovative Container standards. Containers with a new floor design are currently being tested. A larger quantity of steel in used in constructing the floor of these containers thereby using less wood and preserving natural resources.