HMM has secured contracts for nine 9,000 TEU container ships powered by methanol dual-fuel engines with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) and HJ Shipbuilding and Construction (HJSC).
The deal calls for HSHI and HJSC to construct seven and two vessels, respectively, for a total cost of US$1.12 billion. The ships are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2026 and will be deployed on the Asia-North/Latin America trade lanes and the Asia-India routes.
HMM added that green shipping corridors between Busan in South Korea and key ports in the United States are also one of the potential routes to operate the new ships.
Furthermore, the South Korean container carrier has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five fuel suppliers, including Proman, PTTEP, European Energy and Hyundai Corporation, to secure methanol supply for its newly-ordered ships.
HMM noted it has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its fleet by 2050. The company said it explores a variety of sustainable energy sources, including methanol, LNG, hydrogen, and green ammonia, in order to meet the target.
“We will continue to drive efforts to support the global community’s broader transition to carbon neutrality while at the same time strengthening our fundamental level of future capability in the face of increasingly fierce competition in the global market,” stated Kim, Kyung Bae, president and CEO of HMM.
