HD Korea Shipbuilding said it has reached its highest containership order levels since 2007, driven by a new order from HMM, reports Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.

HMM announced in October it was ordering large containerships and tankers worth about US$2.8 billion, split between HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean. The milestone came as HMM surpassed one million TEU in fleet capacity.

Hyundai said the new dual-fuel LNG vessels will be 337 metres long with capacity for 13,400 TEU. The $1.46 billion order covers eight ships, six to be built at Samho and two at HHI, with deliveries through mid-2029. Hanwha Ocean will build four more vessels of similar size.

The ships will feature fuel tanks 50 per cent larger than standard, improving efficiency. Hyundai highlighted its technology strength as key to securing the order.

With the deal confirmed, HD Hyundai has booked 69 container vessels totalling 720,000 TEU, compared with 793,473 TEU during the 2007 supercycle.

The company said its HiNAS Control navigation system offers RPM optimisation and a 15 per cent cut in carbon emissions, helping it compete against lower-cost Chinese rivals.

HD KSOE also announced plans to merge Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho into one operating company to improve management efficiency.

Despite forecasts of weaker demand, HD Hyundai reported strong results this year, achieving 90 per cent of its $18.05 billion annual target with 116 ships worth $16.22 billion booked so far.