The deal, valued at 2.33 trillion won (approximately $1.61 billion), marks the highest price ever paid for container ships of this class, capable of carrying 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
The vessels will be dual-fuel, designed to operate on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and conventional marine fuel, a move aligned with tightening global environmental regulations.
The order highlights Hanwha Ocean’s competitive edge over Chinese shipbuilders. Hanwha Ocean attributed its success to superior production efficiency and advanced engineering.
The deal comes amid a shifting global trade landscape. Last month, the United States announced plans to impose steep fees on Chinese-built vessels entering American ports, a development that could further benefit South Korean shipbuilders.
The contract also signals growing demand for next-generation vessels. In February, reports surfaced that German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd was in negotiations with Hanwha Ocean for a separate order of six LNG dual-fuel container ships, valued at around $1.2 billion.
“Hanwha Ocean has built more ultra-large container vessels than any other shipbuilder in the world,” said Kim Charles, the company’s chief executive. “We will continue to lead the eco-friendly ultra-large container ship market with our differentiated technological expertise.”
reporter
Kim Dong-young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
View more comments