HMM has announced a major investment in its fleet, placing newbuilding orders valued at approximately KRW 4 trillion (South Korean Won). This significant order is part of the carrier’s mid-to-long-term strategy for 2030, aimed at securing a more flexible and future-ready fleet that complies with evolving global market and regulatory shifts.
The comprehensive newbuilding order includes a total of fourteen vessels:
The twelve LNG dual-fuelled containerships will be constructed by major domestic shipbuilders, HD Hyundai Heavy and Hanhwa Ocean.
The decision to invest heavily in LNG technology aligns with the global shift toward lower-emission fuels, driven by strengthening decarbonization regulations from bodies like the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and the EU. Data from Clarksons Research indicates that alternative fuel vessels constituted nearly 50% of all newbuildings ordered last year, with over 70% of those powered by LNG.
By integrating these new LNG dual-fuel vessels, HMM further strengthens its position in sustainable shipping. The company’s existing fleet portfolio already includes methanol-powered containerships and LNG-powered vessels, showcasing a commitment to a multi-fuel strategy. The simultaneous addition of the two new VLCCs supports the company’s objective to diversify and reinforce its bulk capacity.
