Ultra-Large Container Fleet Deal: HD Hyundai Lands $1.46 Billion HMM Order, Stock Surges

HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding division just inked a massive contract that signals strong momentum in the container shipping market. Eight 13,400-TEU dual-fuel container ships worth approximately $1.456 billion from HMM will be delivered consecutively through the first half of 2029, marking the company’s largest container order in nearly two decades.

Order Scale and Significance

This order represents HD Hyundai’s biggest container ship contract since the 2007 shipbuilding supercycle—a 18-year gap that underscores how significant this win is for the South Korean shipbuilder. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), the shipbuilding arm of HD Hyundai, has already secured 720,000 TEU across 69 container vessels so far this year, demonstrating consistent strength in booking orders.

Advanced Technical Specifications

Each vessel boasts impressive dimensions: 337 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and 27.9 meters in height. The standout feature is the LNG dual-fuel engine configuration paired with significantly enlarged fuel tanks—expanded by approximately 50% compared to standard designs—to maximize operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Two vessels will be constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), while six will come from HD Hyundai Samho.

Market Response and Commitment

On the back of the announcement, HD Korea Shipbuilding shares climbed around 3% to 432,000 won in South Korean trading. A company representative emphasized the achievement: “This solidifies our global market position through advanced technological capabilities and customer trust. We’re committed to leading the shipbuilding and shipping industries’ decarbonization through eco-friendly and high-efficiency vessel innovation.”

The deal underscores HD Hyundai’s competitive edge in delivering next-generation, environmentally compliant vessels that meet evolving industry demands.