(C) Shipping Watch

HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJ Industries) has achieved a historic milestone by securing its first-ever contract for container ships exceeding the 10,000 TEU mark. The deal, valued at approximately 353.2 billion KRW, signals a major comeback for the company’s Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan.

 
Key Highlights of the Deal
Vessel Type: Two 10,100 TEU eco-friendly container ships (with an option for two additional vessels).
Contract Value: 353.2 billion KRW.
Client: An undisclosed major European shipowner.
Significance: The first time a vessel of this scale will be constructed at the Yeongdo Shipyard.
 
Breaking the "Physical Ceiling"
For years, the Yeongdo Shipyard faced physical constraints due to its dock size. To overcome these limits, HJ Industries famously developed the "DAM Method" in 2004—a technique where ship sections are welded and connected underwater using specialized water-blocking structures.

However, through continuous engineering innovation, the company has evolved. After successfully delivering 9,000 TEU methanol-powered ships last year without relying on the DAM method, this new 10,100 TEU order proves that HJ Industries has permanently expanded its technical capacity for mega-vessels.

Eco-Friendly Engineering
The newly ordered vessels are designed to meet the strictest international environmental standards. Key features include:

Scrubber Systems: Advanced desulfurization equipment to comply with IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations.
High-Efficiency Hull Design: Optimized for fuel economy and minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
Modern Ship Forms: Tailored to the current preferences of the global shipping market for "green" logistics.

A Vote of Confidence
This contract is notably a repeat order. The European shipowner, satisfied with the quality and performance of previous vessels delivered by HJ Industries, chose to return to the shipyard for this larger-scale project. This "re-ordering" serves as a powerful endorsement of the shipyard’s reliability and craftsmanship.

"By overcoming our physical limitations through innovative construction methods, we are finally able to build mega-container ships exceeding 10,000 TEU at Yeongdo," said Yoo Sang-cheol, CEO of HJ Industries. "We will repay the shipowner’s trust with high-quality vessels delivered on time."
 
Industry Outlook
This win places HJ Industries back in the spotlight of the mid-to-large eco-friendly container ship market. As the shipping industry shifts toward carbon neutrality, the company's ability to build large, high-efficiency ships in a compact urban shipyard is seen as a significant competitive advantage.