Fri 17 Oct 2025, 15:46 GMT | Updated: Fri 17 Oct 2025, 15:46 GMT

HMM orders 12 LNG dual-fuel containerships


13,000 TEU sister ships to be built to run on liquefied natural gas.


HMM VLCC Universal Leader.
As decarbonization regulations from the IMO and EU continue to strengthen, HMM says it views LNG as "one of the most readily deployable lower-emission fuels." Image: HMM

South Korean shipping company HMM has placed a KRW 4 trillion ($2.8bn) newbuilding order comprising 12 container vessels and two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) as part of its fleet modernization strategy.

The 13,000 TEU container ships will all feature LNG dual-fuel capability and will be constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. The order forms part of HMM's broader push to expand its alternative fuel fleet portfolio ahead of stricter environmental regulations.

According to Clarksons Research, alternative fuel vessels accounted for nearly 50% of all newbuilding orders last year, with over 70% of these powered by LNG systems.

HMM's existing fleet already includes methanol-powered container ships and LNG-powered vessels. The addition of the new dual-fuel ships will further strengthen the carrier's fleet of vessels powered by alternative fuels.

The two VLCCs included in the order will contribute to diversifying HMM's bulk shipping portfolio beyond its core container business.

The investment aligns with HMM's 2030 mid-to-long-term strategy, which aims to secure a more flexible fleet capable of adapting to evolving global market conditions and regulatory requirements.



ClassNK AiP handover ceremony for spray insulation technology. ClassNK approves spray insulation system for LNG and ammonia fuel tanks  

Classification society grants AiP to Nihon Shipyard and Hankuk Carbon for Type B tank technology.

Maress 2.0 launch graphic. VPS launches upgraded Maress 2.0 maritime performance platform  

Enhanced analytics and data validation added to digital platform used by almost 700 vessels.

Everllence 35/44DF CD Type Approval Test (TAT). Everllence's 35/44DF CD GenSet secures 138 orders in seven months  

Engine manufacturer reports strong early demand since April type approval test completion.

Avenir LNG bunkering newbuildings financing announcement graphic. Avenir LNG secures $128 million financing for two LNG bunkering newbuilds  

Fearnley Securities acted as financial advisor on the pre- and post-delivery financing deal.

Savonetta Sun vessel. Methanol marine fuel reaches high technical readiness but faces cost barriers, DNV reports  

Classification society finds over 450 methanol-capable vessels operating or on order globally.

WinGD X-DF Dual-Fuel Engine illustration. WinGD launches high-pressure LNG dual-fuel engine for container ships  

Swiss engine designer targets ultra-large container vessel market with 2028 delivery plans.

TFG Marine relaunches operations in Trinidad and Tobago graphic. TFG Marine relaunches bunker supply operations in Trinidad and Tobago  

Marine fuel supplier returns to Caribbean location after operational hiatus.

Delivery ceremony of the Grande Istanbul vessel. Grimaldi takes delivery of fourth ammonia-ready car carrier Grande Istanbul  

Italian shipowner adds 9,241 CEU vessel to fleet for East Asia–Persian Gulf route.

LCO₂ carrier vessel render. Seven Japanese maritime firms sign MoU on standard design framework for LCO₂ carriers  

Major shipping lines and shipbuilders to collaborate on decarbonisation vessel designs through the MILES platform.

Washington State Hybrid-Electric 160-Auto Ferry vessel render. Washington State Ferries awards ABB hybrid-electric propulsion contract  

ABB to supply systems for first two hybrid-electric ferries in US electrification programme.