Shipping major Hapag-Lloyd has appointed Silke Lehmköster as its Managing Director Fleet, with effect from April 1. In her new position, Lehmköster will be responsible for Fleet Management, Fleet Innovation and Technology and Chartering as well at the Newbuilding Projects Group. 

Lehmköster is succeeding Richard von Berlepsch, who will focus on selected projects and committee work going forward. In her new role, Lehmköster will report to Maximilian Rothkopf, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Hapag-Lloyd AG.

“We would like to congratulate Silke Lehmköster and wish her all the best in her new role as Managing Director Fleet,” says Rothkopf. “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 our fleet, helping us to achieve our goal of being climate-neutral by 2045. At the same time, we would like to thank Richard von Berlepsch for his passionate and highly professional commitment over the last 40 years.”

Silke 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 Marine HR before becoming Senior Director Fleet Management in April 2022.

As Managing Director Fleet, Silke Lehmköster will be responsible for fleet management, advancing innovative technologies around Hapag-Lloyd’s 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.