HMM has placed a $1.2 billion order with Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries(HSHI) and HJ Shipbuilding and Construction(HJSC) for nine 9,000 TEU containerships powered by methanol dual-fuel engines
In last July, HMM unveiled a mid-to-long-term strategy to leap forward to be a global top-rated shipping and logistics company through enhancing fleet competitiveness. With the order of methanol-powered containerships, HMM has taken an initial step toward expanding its eco-friendly fleet using alternative fuels.
The ships are scheduled to be deployed on the Asia-North/Latin America trade lanes and the Asia-India routes, with expected delivery from 2025 to 2026. In particular, green shipping corridors between Busan in Korea and key ports in the U.S. are also one of the potential routes to operate the new ships.
In addition, HMM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with five fuel suppliers, including Proman, PTTEP, European Energy, Hyundai Corporation and so on, to secure the supply of methanol for its newly-ordered vessels. The big advantage of methanol as a marine fuel is that it is stable liquid fuel, so existing infrastructure and storage can be used with minimal amendments, explained in a recent interview to SAFETY4SEA, Anita Gajadhar, Proman’s Managing Director Marketing, Logistics and Shipping.
HMM will conduct a feasibility study with each partner to procure various types of methanol in its main bunkering ports and, subsequently, will collaborate to produce green methanol as part of developing carbon- neutral fuels.
We will continue to drive efforts to support the global community’s broader transition to carbon neutrality while at the same time strengthening our fundamental level of future capability in the face of increasingly fierce competition in the global market.
…said President and CEO of HMM, Kim, Kyung Bae.
