SIMIC

The Busan-based shipyard - the former Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction (HHIC) - said a European shipowner ordered two 7,700-teu newbuildings with options for two more vessels. The shipyard did not disclose the buyer's identity but said the price of the newbuildings was US$120 million each, according to media reports.

HJ Shipbuiliding last year signed a contract to build four 5,500 TEU container ships and won another bid for two more vessels in the same class in March this year. With this successful bid of two 7,700 TEU container ships, the global shipbuilding company now has eight container vessels to build, reports Korea IT Times.

Since this contract includes an option for the construction of two more ships, and if it is exercised, the company's order book this year will rise to a total of ten ships worth about KRW800 billion (US$622 million), exceeding half of the goal for the year.

The eco-friendly 7,700 TEU LNG-powered containerships will measure 272 metres in length and will be able to travel at a speed of 22 knots. The boxship design was approved by the British classification society Lloyd's Register (LR) in April.

The design incorporates GTT's Mark Ill Flex membrane, which is often used in large-capacity fuel tanks.

An official from HJSC said, "It is the first contract for dual-fuel 7,700 TEU LNG container ships which were approved the British classification society in April." he continued, "We are going to keep making our best efforts to the development of eco-friendly high value-added ships, responding to our clients' diverse needs in this carbon-neutral era."

Meanwhile, HJSC aims to build the container ships at its Yeongdo Shipyard, Busan and hand over in sequence, starting from late 2024.