[Image: View of Yeongdo in Busan, courtesy: Seokjoon Choi, license: CC-BY-2.0]
HJ Shipbuilding and Construction has secured a contract from a European shipowner to build two 10,100-TEU ships valued at KRW353.2 billion (US$264.9 million), reports Melbourne’s Baird Maritime.
The agreement signed on February 11 includes an option for two additional vessels of the same design. It marks the first time the Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan will construct container carriers exceeding 10,000 TEU capacity.
HJSC said the ships will feature fuel-efficient hulls and be equipped with scrubbers and desulphurisation systems to comply with International Maritime Organisation rules.
The Yeongdo yard has previously built 8,000 TEU ships and in 2004 developed underwater welding methods for hulls longer than 300 metres. The company recently delivered a 9,000 TEU methanol-powered vessel to HMM.
HJSC noted the latest order is a repeat commission from a client who had earlier taken delivery of a containership from the group. The shipbuilder said it continues to focus on mid-sized vessels to maintain competitiveness in the sector.
