Image credit: The Maritime Executive.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has secured its first order of 2025: a $2.58 billion contract for 12 “mega” containerships. While HD KSOE released few details, reports strongly link the order to CMA CGM.
Industry sources indicate this order follows CMA CGM’s 2024 order for 12 LNG-powered vessels from Hyundai Heavy Industries. The new ships, each with a 15,500 TEU capacity, will begin delivery in late 2027 and complete by December 2028.
CMA CGM, the world’s third-largest container line, is actively investing in the energy transition. By 2028, the company plans to have 131 alternative fuel vessels in operation, representing an $18 billion investment. These vessels will be capable of running on low-carbon energy sources like biomethane, biomethanol, and synthetic fuels.
This large order provides a strong start to 2025 for HD KSOE. The company has set an order target of $18.05 billion for the year. This first order represents 14% of that goal.
The order also reinforces the growing trend of LNG-powered containership construction. Data shows 641 LNG-fueled vessels currently in operation, including 142 containerships. By 2030, the LNG-fueled fleet is projected to double to 1,273 vessels.
HD Hyundai is actively pursuing a digital transformation of its shipyards to improve productivity and reduce emissions. The company has partnered with Palantir Technologies and aims for a 30% improvement in both productivity and CO2 emissions by 2030.