In a significant shift for the German maritime industry, Michael Behrendt, a cornerstone of Hapag-Lloyd’s leadership for over two decades, is stepping down from his position as Chairman of the Supervisory Board due to health issues. At 74 years of age, Behrendt has decided to scale back his professional commitments at the Hamburg-based shipping giant, transitioning from his leadership role to that of an ordinary board member. This move marks the end of an era for one of the world's largest container shipping lines, as Behrendt has been instrumental in navigating the company through some of the most turbulent periods in modern logistics history. Having served as the Chief Executive Officer of Hapag-Lloyd for twelve years until 2014, Behrendt was the architect of much of the company's modern strategy, overseeing critical expansions and maintaining stability during the global financial crisis of 2008. His transition to the Supervisory Board in 2014 allowed the firm to retain his deep institutional knowledge while bringing in new executive leadership. Under his guidance, Hapag-Lloyd solidified its position as a top-five global carrier, pursuing strategic mergers and fleet modernizations that defined the current landscape of the industry. The company, which is a vital artery for international trade, now faces a transition period as it prepares to appoint a successor to the chairmanship. While Behrendt will remain on the board, his reduced involvement signals a changing of the guard in Hamburg. Industry analysts note that his legacy is defined by a commitment to the 'Hamburg model' of shipping, balancing aggressive global competitiveness with a steady, long-term corporate vision. As the maritime sector continues to grapple with decarbonization and digital transformation, the loss of Behrendt’s full-time leadership will be felt across the organization, though his continued presence as a board member ensures a degree of continuity during this period of adjustment.