HMM’s LNG-ready containership trials shore power at South Korean port

A 13,000 TEU LNG-ready containership owned by South Korean shipping company HMM has utilized alternative maritime power (AMP) at South Korea’s Gwangyang Port, resulting in an estimated reduction of approximately 16 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

According to the shipowner, the newbuild HMM Emerald switched to shore power in December 2024 to demonstrate the potential for achieving zero-emission operations while docked at Gwangyang Port.

The containership is equipped with an electric circulation steam system (ECSS) which allowed the ship to fully shut down its boiler, ensuring emission-free operations during shore power use, HMM explained.

As disclosed, this trial generated around 16 tons of GHG emissions reduction compared to business-as-usual (BAU) scenarios.

HMM also noted it currently has installed AMP systems on approximately 50% of its container fleet, with usage steadily increasing at ports such as Busan, Shanghai, and Los Angeles.

Built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in May 2024, HMM Emerald is part of HMM’s twelve-strong fleet of LNG-ready 13,000 TEU containerships.

Under the shipbuilding contract from 2021, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean each delivered six vessels with advanced energy-saving technologies that are expected to increase fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions.

The final LNG-ready containership from this fleet, HMM Turquoise, was delivered to HMM in November 2024.

Last year, the shipping company also received two newbuild LNG-powered 7,700 TEU containerships chartered from Greek shipowner Navios.

Furthermore, HMM plans to invest KRW 23.5 trillion ($17.48 billion) in sustainable growth by 2030. To meet the market’s demand for eco-friendly transportation, the company aims to acquire around 70 green vessels by 2030 and establish a carbon-neutral ecosystem across all transportation segments by 2045.