Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 25, South Korea's HMM has placed a $1.46 billion order with HD Hyundai for eight 13,400 teu LNG dual-fuel containerships, marking the carrier's largest domestic newbuilding contract in recent years. Two vessels will be constructed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and six at HD Hyundai Samho, with all eight scheduled for delivery sequentially through the first half of 2029.

The order follows HMM's entry last month into the select group of carriers operating over one million teu of container capacity. According to Alphaliner data, HMM's current fleet stands at 1,016,180 teu, representing a doubling of operated capacity over the past five years.

In September 2024, HMM announced an ambitious fleet expansion plan extending to 2030, backed by a KRW 23.5 trillion ($17.48 billion) investment program. The strategy aims to nearly double the container fleet while tripling its tanker and dry bulk tonnage by the end of the decade.

For HD Hyundai, the contract represents the highest volume of containership orders secured since 2007.

An HD Hyundai representative stated: "Going forward, we will continue to lead the decarbonisation of the shipbuilding and shipping industries through technological competitiveness focused on eco-friendly and high-efficiency vessels."

The new vessels, capable of operating on liquefied natural gas as well as conventional fuel, will enhance HMM's capacity on major global trade lanes while supporting the carrier's transition toward lower-emission operations. The agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between South Korea's flagship container line and its leading shipbuilding group.