HD Hyundai and partner to build LNG dual-fuel containerships

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai has partnered with US-based shipyard Tampa Ship to construct containerships that can run on LNG and conventional fuels.

IMAGE: A loaded containership moored at the commercial docks of the Port of Tampa Bay located near downtown Tampa, Florida. Getty Images

The first medium-sized vessel will be delivered in 2028, HD Hyundai said. The company will provide vessel design, source equipment and construct certain sections of the ship, it said.

The shipping firm also plans to enhance the shipyard’s technical infrastructure with more investments.

According to a Clarksons Research report, US shipyards received orders for only three 3,600 TEU containers between 2022 and 2024 – which is substantially lower than shipyards in other countries, including China and Japan.

“This collaboration between HD Hyundai and Tampa Ship aims to address this gap and re-establish the United States as a competitive force in the global shipbuilding industry,” the shipping firm added.

The news underscores US-proposed rules introduced in April 2024, which require at least 1% of LNG exports to be shipped on US-flagged and -operated vessels by 2028, and on US-built ships starting in 2029. This share is set to rise to 15% by 2047.

By Aparupa Mazumder

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