The contrasting headquarters buildings of Hapag-Lloyd in Hamburg and Neptune Orient Lines in Singapore illustrate the companies’ differences.

Hapag-Lloyd’s imposing art deco building in Hamburg’s old town symbolises its pride in its 160-year history and role in Hamburg’s maritime industry. NOL’s nondescript modern block in a neatly-tended, bland corner of Singapore encapsulates the efficient but conservative style of the 40-year-old line.