HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Signs Major Shipbuilding Contract with HMM

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has signed a contract valued at $1,456 billion with global shipping company HMM. This agreement includes the construction of eight container vessels, each capable of carrying 13 400 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).

The vessels will measure 337 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 27,9 meters in height. Construction will take place at two sites: two ships will be built at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and six at HD Hyundai Samho. These container ships will be equipped with liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel engines and will feature fuel tanks that are 50 % larger than standard sizes, enhancing operational efficiency.

Deliveries are anticipated to commence sequentially and will continue until the first half of 2029. With this contract, HD KSOE’s total orders for container vessels in 2025 has reached 69 ships, collectively capable of carrying 720 000 TEU, making it the largest volume among South Korean shipbuilders.

Additionally, HD Hyundai has introduced the HiNAS Control system for its new builds since 2023. This autonomous navigation system, developed in collaboration with Avikus, offers vessel maneuvering, collision detection, and avoidance features. While operating with partial autonomy, onboard crews remain responsible for its functioning.

The system analyzes weather data and vessel characteristics to recommend routes and speeds, as well as track routes automatically. HD Hyundai reports that the use of HiNAS Control has led to a 15 % reduction in carbon emissions and a similar increase in fuel efficiency.

A representative from HD Hyundai emphasized the company’s commitment to global leadership through technological advancements and customer trust. They aim to promote decarbonization in the shipbuilding and shipping industries with a focus on eco-friendly and efficient vessels.

The contract follows HMM‘s recent announcement of vessel orders worth Won4 trillion, which includes twelve 13 000 TEU container ships and two very large crude carriers, with construction to be handled by HD Hyundai Heavy and Hanwha Ocean. Last week, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries celebrated the delivery of its 5 000th ship.