Samsung Heavy Industries Wins First Container Ship Order of the Year... Benefits from 'Eco-Friendly Regulations'

Contract for Two Vessels Worth 561.9 Billion Won... Delivery Scheduled for January 2028
Achieving 27% of This Year's Target... Diversifying Vessel Portfolio
Eco-Friendly Demand Rises with IMO's Carbon Tax Announcement

Samsung Heavy Industries is diversifying its vessel portfolio by securing its first container ship order of the year. This move is seen as a response to increased demand for vessel replacement, which has been driven by global eco-friendly regulations such as the recent decision by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to impose a carbon tax on ships.

On April 28, Samsung Heavy Industries announced that it had signed a contract with a shipowner in Asia to build two container ships for 561.9 billion won. These vessels are scheduled to be delivered sequentially to the shipowner by January 2028. This deal is reportedly the result of Taiwan-based container shipping company Wan Hai Lines ordering two 16,000 TEU-class methanol dual-fuel container ships.

The appearance of the container carrier previously delivered by Samsung Heavy Industries. The photo is unrelated to the main contract. Samsung Heavy Industries

Methanol dual-fuel container ships are eco-friendly vessels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional ships. Both container ships and crude oil carriers have a high proportion of aging vessels, and demand for replacement is increasing due to environmental regulations. On April 14, the IMO decided to impose a carbon tax on greenhouse gas emissions from ships starting in 2027, raising expectations in the domestic shipbuilding industry for orders of eco-friendly ships.

Samsung Heavy Industries is expanding its portfolio with various types of vessels in line with the global eco-friendly trend. This year, Samsung Heavy Industries has secured orders for a total of 18 vessels: one LNG carrier, nine shuttle tankers, two ethane carriers, four oil tankers, and two container ships, amounting to a total of 2.6 billion dollars (approximately 3.7336 trillion won). This represents 27% of the company’s annual target of 9.8 billion dollars for 2025.

A representative from Samsung Heavy Industries stated, "While maintaining a selective order strategy focused on profitability, we aim to secure contracts for around two FLNG (Floating Liquefied Natural Gas production, storage, and offloading facilities) units annually," adding, "We plan to achieve an efficient balance between ships and offshore plants."