Hyundai Heavy Industries has fired a flare of the first order of 2013, having contracted ultra-large boxship series ordered for the first time this year.
The Korean shipbuilder announced today it signed a newbuilding contract with Seaspan of Canada in Hong Kong to build five 14,000-teu containerships, valued in around $600m in total.
The contract contains options for five additional newbuildings.
Hyundai is scheduled to deliver one by one from 2015 and newbuilding boxships, 368m in length, 51m in breadth and 30m in height, are to be long-term chartered to Yang Ming Marine based in Taiwan.
With this recent order, the Ulsan-based shipyard has booked another ultra-large boxship series over the last 12 months. It inked 10 13,800-teu boxships in July 2012.
It is said Hyundai has been highly evaluated with its abundant experiences in building containerships and its high-efficient eco-friendly design.
The ultra-large boxships will be equipped with electronically-controlled ME-engine, manufactured by Hyundai, which will boost fuel consumption and emission. Also, HiBallast, ballast water treatment system developed by Hyundai itself, will be installed.
An official from Hyundai said "We consider that global demand for eco-design fuel efficient vessels will grow by tightening environmental regulation. We plan to keep developing related technologies and lead eco-design market."
Meanwhile, Hyundai is targeting to win a total of $29.7bn of new order in 2013, which increased by 52.3% on its earnings in 2012, and to post KRW 26.857trn (25.36bn) of revenue.