Did Hanwha Ocean Secure a $1.75 Billion Deal for LNG Carriers from Europe?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hanwha Ocean has secured a $1.75 billion contract for LNG carriers.
- Annual orders have surpassed last year's record.
- Focus on eco-friendly technology is evident.
- Hanwha Engine is expanding into electric propulsion systems.
- Seam AS acquisition will enhance maritime solutions.
Seoul, Dec 19 (NationPress) Hanwha Ocean announced on Friday that it has successfully obtained a contract valued at 2.59 trillion won ($1.75 billion) to deliver seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for a European shipowner.
With this recent agreement, Hanwha Ocean has now accumulated orders for 51 vessels totaling $9.83 billion this year, surpassing its yearly target of $8.98 billion achieved last year, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This year's acquisitions consist of 20 very large crude carriers (VLCCs), 17 container ships, 13 LNG carriers, and one icebreaking research vessel.
Hanwha Ocean stated that this contract indicates a robust trust among European shipowners in the company’s advanced high-pressure LNG engine technology and its potential to minimize carbon emissions.
Additionally, Hanwha Engine has expressed intentions to acquire Seam AS, a Norwegian manufacturer specializing in shipboard electric propulsion systems, marking the first entry of a South Korean firm into the maritime technology sector of Northern Europe.
The marine engine manufacturer part of Hanwha Group has agreed to purchase the complete ownership of the Norwegian company for approximately 290 billion won ($196.6 million).
Located in Avaldsnes, Seam is a prominent innovator of zero-emission maritime solutions, including control software and energy storage systems (ESS) for vessels.
Norway is recognized as a leading adopter of electric propulsion ships, with Seam capturing about 40 percent of the maritime market in Norway.
Hanwha Engine aims to broaden its maritime propulsion offerings through this acquisition, anticipating a rise in demand for environmentally friendly vessels.
In another development, HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE), the shipbuilding subsidiary of HD Hyundai Co., reported on Friday that it has secured an order worth 689.6 billion won ($466.2 million) to construct four container ships for a shipping firm based in Oceania, according to Yonhap news agency.
The construction of these vessels will take place at the shipyard of HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., with deliveries expected sequentially by the latter half of 2028, the company confirmed.
With this latest contract, HD KSOE has achieved a total of contracts valued at $17.33 billion for 122 vessels this year, accomplishing 96 percent of its annual order target.