HD Hyundai Heay wins order for container ships

HD Hyundai Heay wins order for container ships

HD Hyundai Secures Major Container Ship Orders Amid Global Demand Surge

HD Hyundai, through its shipbuilding subsidiary HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), has secured a $1.456 billion contract to construct eight 13,400-TEU dual-fuel container ships for HMM, a South Korean shipping company. The vessels, measuring 337 meters in length and equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines, are designed to enhance operational efficiency with enlarged fuel tanks and advanced eco-friendly technologies. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2029, with two ships built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and six by HD Hyundai Samho.

This order marks HD Hyundai's largest container ship order volume since the 2007 shipbuilding boom, with a total capacity of 720,000 TEU across 69 vessels secured in 2025 alone, surpassing domestic competitors. The company attributes its competitive edge to lifecycle cost advantages, despite higher upfront pricing, and the integration of autonomous navigation systems like HiNAS Control. Developed by subsidiary Avikus, this system has demonstrated a 15% reduction in carbon emissions and a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency through optimized RPM and route management.

In addition to the HMM contract, HD KSOE recently won a $466.2 million order for four container ships destined for an Oceania-based shipping company, bringing its total 2025 order value to $17.33 billion across 122 vessels—96% of its annual target. The company emphasizes its focus on decarbonization and technological innovation to strengthen its global market position.

HD Hyundai's recent contracts highlight growing global demand for energy-efficient shipping solutions amid industry-wide decarbonization efforts. With a robust order backlog and advancements in autonomous and eco-friendly technologies, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the current shipbuilding cycle.