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HMM Places $1.46bn Order with HD Hyundai for Eight 13,400 TEU LNG-Fuelled Containerships
South Korea’s HMM has signed a major newbuilding contract with HD Hyundai for eight 13,400 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships, a deal valued at $1.46 billion—its largest single containership order since 2007. The project will be split between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), which will build two vessels, and HD Hyundai Samho, responsible for the remaining six. Deliveries are scheduled progressively through the first half of 2029.
The new vessels are designed to strengthen HMM’s long-term strategy to expand capacity on major East-West sea freight corridors, including the trans-Pacific and Asia–Europe routes, where demand for cleaner, fuel-efficient ships continues to rise. LNG dual-fuel propulsion and advanced energy-saving features are expected to significantly reduce emissions while improving voyage economics—an increasingly critical factor for global ocean carriers.
HMM recently crossed the 1 million TEU fleet milestone, joining the world’s elite club of mega carriers. According to Alphaliner, the company’s operated capacity has doubled in the past five years, reflecting accelerated fleet renewal and diversification across container, tanker and dry bulk markets.
This new order is part of HMM’s previously announced KRW 23.5 trillion ($17.48bn) investment roadmap through 2030. The plan includes doubling its container fleet and tripling its tanker and bulk carrier tonnage—ensuring stronger competitiveness across multiple shipping segments.
HD Hyundai highlighted that the order further strengthens its position as a leading builder of large, eco-friendly containerships.
A company spokesperson noted:
“Through this contract, we reinforce our leadership in high-efficiency and low-emission ship technologies. We remain committed to advancing decarbonisation across global shipbuilding and maritime industries.”
With the IMO tightening environmental standards and cargo owners prioritising greener logistics, HMM’s latest fleet expansion positions the carrier for long-term growth in global sea freight, especially on high-volume Asia-centric trades.
