Hapag-Lloyd has named Silke Lehmköster as its new managing director fleet, with responsibility for fleet management, fleet innovation & technology and chartering, as well as the new buildings project group.

The German international shipping and container transportation company—the fourth biggest in the world—said she will succeed Richard von Berlepsch, who will focus on selected projects and committee work going forward.

In her new role, Lehmköster will report to Dr Maximilian Rothkopf, Hapag-Lloyd AG's chief operating officer (COO).

"We would like to congratulate Silke Lehmköster and wish her all the best in her new role as Managing Director Fleet," said Dr Maximilian Rothkopf, adding that next to maintaining the highest standards and ensuring the continuous safe and compliant operation of our vessels, one of her big challenges will be to further advance the decarbonisation of Hapah-Lloyd's fleet.

"At the same time, we would like to thank Richard von Berlepsch for his passionate and highly professional commitment over the last 40 years," Rothkopf added.

Lehmköster began her career at Hapag-Lloyd with an apprenticeship at sea in 2005 and was promoted to captain in 2018. Two years later, she switched to an on-shore position and initially served as Senior Director of Marine HR before becoming Senior Director of Fleet Management in April 2022.

"As Managing Director Fleet, Silke Lehmköster will be responsible for fleet management, advancing innovative technologies around our fleet and new construction projects, such as the ongoing completion of a total of 12 ultra-modern large container ships with dual-fuel technology and a capacity of 23,600 TEUs," Hapag-Lloyd said.