South Korean shipping giant HMM is setting its sights on a sustainable future with a massive investment plan aimed at positioning itself as a leader in green shipping and logistics. The company has unveiled a mid-to-long-term strategy that involves a staggering KRW 23.5 trillion investment by 2030. This ambitious plan is designed to expand its business portfolio, boost competitiveness, and adapt to the evolving landscape of global shipping regulations focused on environmental sustainability.
A substantial part of HMM’s investment is directed toward sustainable management initiatives, such as the acquisition of low-carbon ships and green facilities. By allocating KRW 14.4 trillion—more than 60% of the total investment—towards these initiatives, HMM is reinforcing its commitment to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2045. This forward-looking approach will not only meet new environmental regulations but also pave the way for the company to lead the charge in green maritime operations.
The breakdown of the KRW 23.5 trillion investment reflects HMM’s strategic focus areas:
Container Business Transformation
HMM is betting big on its container transportation business, with plans to inject KRW 12.7 trillion to secure a fleet size of 1.55 million TEU, spread across 130 vessels. As global shipping alliances undergo reorganization, this move is crucial for HMM to strengthen its core business competitiveness. The company will also invest KRW 1.7 trillion in container boxes to boost operational efficiency. To cater to the increasing demand for eco-friendly transport solutions, HMM aims to add approximately 70 green vessels by 2030, setting the stage for a carbon-neutral ecosystem across its entire transportation network by 2045.
Expanding Bulk Transportation Capacity
The bulk transportation segment is another key focus area, with KRW 5.6 trillion earmarked to expand the fleet from 36 to 110 vessels, totaling 12.56 million DWT. The goal is to diversify HMM’s portfolio beyond a particular bulk market, such as tankers or dry bulk. This diversification also includes entering the eco-friendly energy transportation sector, where the company seeks to gain a foothold early to capture significant market share.
Building Integrated Logistics Infrastructure
Recognizing the need for an integrated logistics approach, HMM plans to pour KRW 4.2 trillion into enhancing its logistics infrastructure. This investment will cover expanding terminals and acquiring additional port facilities to accommodate growing capacity. Furthermore, HMM intends to bolster its Off-Dock Container Yard (ODCY) operations, which will play a critical role in providing end-to-end logistics solutions and better customer service.
Strengthening Competitiveness and Digitalization
To further solidify its stance in the market, HMM is dedicating KRW 1 trillion to enhance its overall competitiveness. This includes retrofitting ship engines to be more energy-efficient, securing a sustainable green fuel supply chain, and leveraging digitalization to improve operational stability. HMM also plans to explore new sustainable business ventures while reinforcing its organizational structure and human resources to implement its 2030 strategy.
Kim Kyung Bae, HMM’s President & CEO, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable growth, stating, “By strengthening partnerships founded on trust, we are enhancing the quality of service we deliver to our customers. We remain committed to developing a resilient business portfolio and positioning ourselves as a global leader in eco-friendly shipping for the future.”
This robust strategy underscores HMM’s ambition not just to survive but to thrive in the evolving global shipping landscape, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
