South Korean flagship carrier HMM has further accelerated its fleet diversification plans with an order of four heavylift newbuilds in China.
The four 38,000-ton multi-purpose heavylift ships were ordered from Huangpu Wenchong, a China State Shipbuilding Corporation subsidiary.
The heavylift ships will be equipped with three cargo holds, hydraulic folding hatch covers, and hoisting hatch covers. The ships will also have two sets of 400-ton and one set of 200-ton cranes. They will also be equipped with scrubbers, bulbous bows, and deflector fins.
Apart from ordering new heavy-lift vessels, HMM is trying to diversify in other ways as well. The company made a blast to its past by ordering three 8,600 ceu car carriers at GSI Nansha in China. The ships will be delivered in 2026.
In June, the South Korean firm announced its intention to return to the gas game by making a $233m takeover bid for its old company, Hyundai LNG Shipping.
Most recently, HMM made an addition to its bulk carrier fleet with an acquisition of Oldendorff Carriers’ newcastlemax for $46.5m. It is also being courted by five suitors for a potential takeover of the company.
HMM is the largest shipping company in South Korea. Its fleet consists of 88 container ships, five bulk carriers, ten oil tankers, four heavylift ships as well as three PCTCs under construction.
Source: Splash 247
