Hapag-Lloyd Christens Final 10,500 TEU Vessel Of “Valparaíso Express” Class

In his speech, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Anthony J. Firmin alluded to Brazil’s great significance to the company. “For us, Brazil is the most important market in Latin America – and Hapag-Lloyd feels especially tied and indebted to it,” he said. “We Germans sometimes envy you for your country,” he continued. “Brazil has around 7,000 kilometers of coastline, fantastic weather, extensive natural resources, great meat and excellent coffee – and you have Neymar, who might just make our national football squad sweat a bit during the upcoming 2018 World Cup.”

Juan-Pablo Richards, Managing Director Area Brazil, warmly thanked the naming patron and her husband, Pedro de Andrade Faria, Global CEO of the food company BRF, for agreeing to serve as the ship’s patron. “BRF is our biggest customer in Brazil – and we transport your food across the world in our refrigerated containers,” he said. “Thank you for the faith you have in our company.” Andrés Kulka, Managing Director Region Latin America, also thanked all the Brazilian customers attending the ceremony, adding: “With the merger of Hapag-Lloyd and UASC, we can now offer you even better connections and a comprehensive network.”