Is the maritime industry finally embracing a greener horizon?
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has taken a significant step towards sustainable shipping by christening two 7,700 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessels at its Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan. This event marks HJSC’s inaugural venture into constructing LNG dual-fuel container ships, underscoring its commitment to eco-friendly maritime solutions.
The christening ceremony, held last week, was attended by over 100 distinguished guests, including Angeliki Frangou, Chairwoman of Navios Maritime Partners LP; Shunji Sasada, President of Navios; Kim Kyung-bae, President of HMM; and Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJSC. The vessels were aptly named ‘HMM OCEAN’ and ‘HMM SKY’, symbolising their destined voyages across the world’s oceans and skies.
These ships are part of a $240 million contract secured by HJSC in 2022, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on building eco-friendly, dual-fuel powered vessels. The contract received approval from Lloyd’s Register, further cementing HJSC’s reputation for excellence in shipbuilding.
With the successful delivery of these LNG dual-fuel container ships, along with six 5,500 TEU container ships initiated after re-entering the commercial ship market in 2021, HJSC has reaffirmed its competitiveness in the eco-friendly container ship sector. The company plans to actively pursue the 5,000–9,000 TEU mid-sized container ship market, focusing on vessels that accelerate the shift to carbon neutrality, including methanol-ready, LNG dual-fuel, and methanol-powered ships.
“The christening of ‘HMM OCEAN’ and ‘HMM SKY’ signifies our unwavering commitment to pioneering eco-friendly maritime solutions and leading the industry towards a sustainable future.”
In addition, HJSC has recently launched research and development into next-generation technologies, including very-large ammonia carriers (VLACs) designed to transport ammonia and hydrogen, both of which are emerging as key carbon-free fuels.
