South Korean shipping company HMM has embarked on a programme of new vessel orders, worth a total of KRW 4trn, marking a significant investment in its fleet portfolio.
The order includes a 12 container ships of 13,000 TEU capacity and two VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers). The container vessels, all with LNG dual-fuel propulsion, will be built by HD Hyundai Heavy and Hanhwa Ocean.
As decarbonisation regulations from the IMO and EU continue to strengthen, LNG is seen by HMM as one of the most readily deployable lower-emission fuels. According to Clarksons Research, alternative fuel vessels made up nearly 50% of all newbuildings ordered in the last year, with over 70% powered by LNG.
By adding these new LNG dual-fuelled vessels to its existing portfolio, which already includes methanol-powered containerships and LNG-powered vessels, HMM says it continues to strengthen its position in sustainable shipping. The new VLCCs will contribute to diversifying and reinforcing the company’s bulk fleet portfolio
This move reflects HMM’s 2030 mid-to long-term strategy to secure a more flexible and future-ready fleet amid global market and regulatory shifts.
Image: HMM has placed a major order for new containerships and VLCCs (source: HMM)
