South Korean shipbuilding leader HD Hyundai has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first shipbuilder globally to deliver 5,000 vessels. This remarkable feat follows a 50-year journey that began with the launch of its initial ship in 1974, the 260,000-ton supertanker Atlantic Baron. The company’s latest delivery, the Philippine patrol vessel Diego Silang, punctuates this historical accomplishment. Throughout its tenure, HD Hyundai has supplied ships to around 700 owners in 68 countries.
Multiple shipyards under HD Hyundai have played a crucial role in reaching this benchmark. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered 2,631 vessels, HD Hyundai Mipo produced 1,570, and HD Hyundai Samho contributed 799. Notably, this achievement has outpaced the performance of both European and Japanese competitors, despite their more extensive experience in maritime history.
In a separate development, HD Hyundai secured a substantial contract valued at roughly $1.46 billion from HMM for eight ultra-large containerships. This represents the largest volume of container ship orders since the 2007 shipbuilding supercycle. The order, managed through HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, includes eight dual-fuel containerships, set for delivery from 2029 onward. Overall, HD KSOE has amassed orders for 720,000 TEU across 69 vessels this year, making it the top performer among Korean shipbuilders.
