Photo credit: HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) / Image: container ship built by HJSC.
Angeliki Frangou-led Navios Maritime Partners L.P. has confirmed an order for two 7,900 teu methanol-ready newbuilding containerships with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) said on Thursday it has clinched a $220m deal with a European shipping company for two eco-friendly container ships, each capable of carrying 7,900 teu, without disclosing the name of the shipowner.
The contract also grants the client an option to order two more ships later, “potentially raising the total contract value to KRW 600 billion,” the shipyard said.
The 7,900 teu container carriers are designed to be eco-friendly. These ships, measuring 272 meters in length and 42.8 meters in width, boast cutting-edge specifications and can cruise at 22 knots.
The construction will take place at HJSC’s Yeongdo Shipyard, with deliveries set to commence in 2026.
The shipyard also reported that these container ships are optimized for fuel efficiency and maximum container capacity, incorporating eco-friendly features and complying with the IMO environmental regulations.
Moreover, they will be equipped with a ‘SOx scrubber’ exhaust gas desulfurization system to meet IMO regulations regarding sulfur oxides.
These vessels will be constructed as methanol-ready, allowing for potential transition to carbon-neutral operations in the future by using methanol as a fuel.
An official from HJSC remarked, “This contract reflects our dedicated efforts to develop and secure orders for eco-friendly, high-value-added ships that set industry trends.”
He added, “We are committed to meeting our clients’ expectations with top-quality vessels and timely delivery, thereby fostering trust and loyalty.”
Navios Maritime Partners L.P. inked the agreement on June 19, mentioning that both vessels feature the highest eco standards in line with the company’s decarbonization strategy and are fitted with scrubbers. The shipowner didn’t disclose any financial details.
In 2022, the shipbuilder obtained ‘Approval in Principle’ from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for a 7,700 teu LNG dual-fuel container ship. Building on this technological achievement, they also secured orders for two additional vessels of the same type within the same year.
