South Korea's HMM has confirmed a US$2.81 billion order for 14 new vessels, including containerships and VLCCs, reports Denmark's Shipping Telegraph.

The order comprises twelve 13,000-TEU LNG dual-fuelled container ships and two very large crude carriers. The container vessels will be built by HD Hyundai Heavy and Hanhwa Ocean.

HMM said the move aligns with tightening decarbonization rules from the IMO and EU, with LNG seen as a viable lower-emission fuel. The new ships will join a fleet that already includes methanol-powered and LNG-fuelled vessels.

The VLCCs will help diversify HMM's bulk fleet portfolio. The company said the investment supports its 2030 strategy to build a more flexible and future-ready fleet amid shifting global market and regulatory conditions.