HMM welcomes LNG-powered 7,700 TEU boxship duo for long-term charter

South Korean shipping company HMM has welcomed two newbuild LNG-powered 7,700 TEU containerships chartered from Greek shipowner Navios.

The two ships named HMM Ocean and HMM Sky were built by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) in South Korea under the shipbuilding order placed by Navios in 2022.

Upon delivery, the vessels will go on a charter to HMM for up to 14 years. The South Korean company plans to deploy the LNG-powered containerships on its FIM (Far East–India–Mediterranean) service starting January 2025.

“Being the first LNG-powered containerships in Korea, this milestone reflects our dedication to sustainability. LNG is emerging as a leading low-carbon fuel, significantly reducing CO₂, NOₓ, SOₓ, and particulate matter emissions. This step strengthens our resolve to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045,” HMM said in a social media update.

To remind, HMM aims to acquire around 70 green vessels by 2030 and establish a carbon-neutral ecosystem across all transportation segments by 2045.

As part of this strategy, the shipping company recently revealed plans to invest KRW 23.5 trillion ($17.48 billion) in sustainable growth by 2030.

By the end of this year, HMM also anticipates the completion of its twelve-strong LNG-ready 13,000 TEU containership fleet ordered at Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2021.