Hapag-Lloyd Offers Youth Maritime Experience

Hapag-Lloyd is participating once more in the Association of German Shipowners' (VDR) summer seafaring program, providing young people from across Germany with an opportunity to experience maritime life and work.

All 35 available spots on Hapag-Lloyd vessels have been filled this year. The program allows pupils to spend several weeks of their summer holidays aboard a Hapag-Lloyd container vessel, gaining practical insight into maritime operations and potential career paths in the shipping industry.

Several young participants will begin their voyages from Hamburg. Among them are three "Summer Seafarers" boarding the Santos Express. This 333-meter container ship, with a capacity of 11,519 TEU, operates on a Northern Europe–South America route, with their journey set to include passage through the Panama Canal.

The program targets students aged 16 and above interested in exploring maritime careers, including work on the bridge, deck, and engine room. Hapag-Lloyd reports that approximately 50% of participants later pursue seafarer apprenticeships with the company.

Hapag-Lloyd is a major global liner shipping company, viewing this initiative as a key method for attracting the next generation to Germany's maritime sector.