Wilhelmshaven celebrates the christening of the first eco-container ship Rike J.

Wilhelmshaven celebrates the christening of the first eco-container ship Rike J.

In a glittering ceremony on January 17, 2026 in Wilhelmshaven, the container ship “Rike J.” baptized. The ship is the first of a total of 18 identical units that will be put into service over the next two years. Five medium-sized shipping companies have come together to invest around 500 million euros in this pioneering project. The shipping companies Jüngerhans, Wessels, HS Bereederung, Wegener from Jork and Visser Shipping from Sneek in the Netherlands are joining forces to ensure the continued existence of their companies and to create a new generation of ships that combines efficiency, sustainability and innovation. The group's goal is to convert the operation of ships to environmentally friendly forms of propulsion and to consume up to 50 percent less fuel, which is more than relevant at the current time when one considers the increasing considerations about climate relevance in shipping.

“Rike J.” is a significant step towards renewing the fleets of shipping companies in Lower Saxony. Did the idea for this project originally come from the 2018 financial crisis, when many companies in the industry were struggling? A resounding yes! What makes the step all the more remarkable is that in the future the ships will mainly be used in the North and Baltic Seas as well as in the Caribbean region. This also strengthens the connection to important trade routes, such as Statista declared global container shipping.

The maritime sector in Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony is an important player in the maritime economy, which employs over 20,000 people and plays a key role in German foreign trade. The region underlines its status with 15 state-owned seaports and the important JadeWeserPort, which enables the handling of large container ships regardless of the tide. The federal state is considered the No. 1 shipbuilding country in Germany and is home to around 120 shipping companies and around 750 merchant ships. Compared to other countries, companies from North America play little role in global container transport, while Asia, especially China, acts as a central production location.

The maritime industry's response to recent developments is quick and flexible. In particular, the news about US customs policies, which may bring uncertainty from the first quarter of 2025, require adjustments in logistics and route planning. While companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are regrouping, the shipping company Cosco is still ready to expand its activities in Wilhelmshaven.

Sustainability and innovative solutions

In addition to economic relevance, sustainability is also at the center of debates surrounding shipping. Global shipping causes around 2.5 percent of global CO2 emissions, which makes it clear that there is a need for action here. According to information from MW Lower Saxony, Lower Saxony relies on initiatives such as GreenShippingNiedersachsen (GSN) to promote economic and ecological aspects in shipping.

Shipping is still a long way from climate neutrality, but developments towards renewable fuels such as methanol and ammonia appear to be the key here too. Companies like Maersk plan to integrate 17 large container ships that can run on methanol by 2026. The collaboration between educational institutions and industry promotes innovative solutions and brings a breath of fresh air to the fleet of northern German shipping companies.

The challenges are great, but with a strong bundle of expertise and innovation, Lower Saxony could take a leading role on the path to the future of the maritime economy.