South Korean shipbuilding group HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has secured a significant order for new containerships valued at approximately $27 billion. While the customer is only identified as a European shipping company in the announcement, it is widely believed that CMA CGM is behind the order. The contract comes at a time of record growth in the container shipping segment, with vessels ordered during the pandemic set to be introduced in the second half of 2024 and 2025, including an emphasis on the megamax class.
The order consists of 12 vessels, with half to be constructed at the HD Hyundai Shipyard in Ulsan and the remaining six at HD Hyundai Samho in Yeongam. Delivery of these new ships, each with a capacity of 15,500 TEU and expected to be LNG-fueled, is scheduled to be completed by June 2028. CMA CGM, although not officially confirming the order, is reportedly among several leading carriers negotiating with shipyards for additional vessels.
HD Hyundai’s focus on securing high-value-added ships aligns with its strategy to enhance profitability. With the recent orders, the shipbuilding group has exceeded its 2024 target, receiving orders for chemical tankers, LPG/ammonia carriers, LNG carriers, and containerships. The surge in orders, totaling $16.27 billion for 144 ships, reflects a strong demand for high-cost vessels and positions HD Hyundai as a key player in the shipbuilding industry.
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