HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) announced it has secured a significant 3.72 trillion won ($2.59 billion) contract to build 12 liquefied natural gas (LNG) container ships. This deal, confirmed in a recent regulatory filing, is set to bolster the company’s position in the global shipbuilding sector and highlight the growing importance of LNG-powered vessels in the shipping industry.
The vessels will be constructed at the Ulsan shipyard of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, one of the world’s most renowned shipbuilding facilities. The ships, each with a capacity of 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), will be designed to transport LNG—an increasingly preferred fuel for the maritime sector due to its lower carbon emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.
While the identity of the customer remains officially undisclosed, industry insiders speculate that the order likely comes from CMA CGM, the French shipping giant known for its substantial fleet. CMA CGM is consistently ranked among the top three shipping companies globally, and its growing commitment to sustainable shipping solutions makes it a logical candidate for such a significant order. The deal also marks a new chapter for HD KSOE, as this is the shipbuilder’s first order for 2025.
Scheduled for delivery in December 2028, these ultra-large LNG container ships will be part of the next wave of advancements in eco-friendly maritime transport. With increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, shipping companies worldwide are turning to LNG-powered vessels to meet stricter environmental regulations and maintain a competitive edge. LNG ships are not only more environmentally friendly but also provide a more efficient alternative to conventional diesel-powered ships.
The deal is also a crucial step towards HD KSOE’s ambitious goal of securing $18.05 billion in shipbuilding orders for 2025, marking a 34 percent increase from last year’s target of $13.5 billion. This bold target reflects the shipbuilder’s confidence in the growing demand for sustainable shipping solutions and its ability to compete with other leading shipbuilders in the global market.
As shipping companies around the world look for ways to modernize their fleets while embracing more environmentally responsible practices, HD KSOE is positioning itself as a key player in the future of sustainable shipping. With a record order like this, the company is set to influence the direction of global shipping and contribute to the industry’s transformation.
Source: yonhap
