First Partnership: Successful Order for Six 24,000 TEU-Class Eco-Friendly Ultra-Large Container Ships
"We Will Lead the Eco-Friendly Ultra-Large Container Ship Market with Differentiated Technology"
Hanwha Ocean (CEO Kim Heecheol) has succeeded in securing a large-scale order for eco-friendly ships, accelerating its order-taking activities in earnest.
Hanwha Ocean has received an order for six 24,000 TEU-class LNG dual-fuel eco-friendly ultra-large container ships from Evergreen Marine Corp., one of the world's largest shipping companies based in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, Hanwha Ocean CEO Heecheol Kim (fifth from the right) and Evergreen Chairman Chang Yenyi (sixth from the right), along with officials from both companies, are taking a commemorative photo after completing the contract ceremony. Provided by Hanwha Ocean
The ultra-large container ships ordered this time are 400 meters long and 61.5 meters wide, capable of transporting 24,000 containers at once. In particular, these vessels will be equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines, as well as Hanwha Ocean's latest eco-friendly technologies such as the Shaft Generator Motor (SGM) system and Air Lubrication System (ALS).
Recently, the shipbuilding industry has been rapidly adopting LNG and next-generation eco-friendly fuel-powered vessels amid strengthened environmental regulations. Evergreen Marine Corp.'s choice of LNG dual-fuel container ships in this contract is seen as a strategic decision to meet environmental regulations while maximizing fuel efficiency.
Evergreen Marine Corp. is one of the world's largest container shipping companies, operating a fleet of over 200 vessels. With its sales capabilities further strengthened after joining the Hanwha Group, Hanwha Ocean has secured a new customer by establishing its first partnership with Evergreen Marine Corp. through this contract.
Evergreen Marine Corp. plans to continue ordering new ships to strengthen its competitiveness, and Hanwha Ocean aims to build a long-term business relationship starting with this initial contract.
This order is also considered highly significant for the Korean shipbuilding industry. Since 2022, the 24,000 TEU-class container ship market has been led by Chinese shipyards, leveraging price competitiveness based on low labor costs. However, Hanwha Ocean has once again proven its global competitiveness by securing this contract based on its differentiated design and production capabilities.
Hanwha Ocean has the most experience in building ultra-large container ships in the world. According to Clarkson Research as of the end of February, there are currently 358 ultra-large container ships of 17,000 TEU or more in operation worldwide. Of these, Hanwha Ocean has built 72 ships at a single shipyard, ranking first in market share.
Recent international developments, such as the inclusion of Chinese shipyards on the US blacklist, are expected to have a positive impact on the Korean shipbuilding industry. In line with these trends, Hanwha Ocean plans to further strengthen its global competitiveness through continuous technological innovation and the development of eco-friendly ships.
Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, said, "We are grateful to the shipowner for trusting Hanwha Ocean's technological capabilities and placing this order," and added, "We will continue to lead the eco-friendly ultra-large container ship market based on our differentiated technology."
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