Ocean Network Express has returned to South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with a new order for LNG-capable containerships, continuing its long-term fleet renewal program focused on lower-emission vessels.
Market sources identified the Singapore-based liner operator as the buyer behind a $1.22bn newbuilding contract announced by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.
The order covers six LNG dual-fuel containerships of 15,900 teu, scheduled for delivery between November 2028 and September 2029. Each vessel is priced at approximately $203.5m.
The contract adds to ONE’s growing alternative-fuel fleet portfolio across shipyards in South Korea and China. According to MB Shipbrokers, discussions on the project had been underway for several months.
The order is smaller than ONE’s earlier expansion ambitions, which had reportedly included up to 22 dual-fuel vessels.
ONE has been one of the most active liner operators in the dual-fuel containership market over the past three years. The company has ordered more than 30 dual-fuel vessels from Chinese and South Korean yards, including methanol-capable ships from Jiangnan and Yangzijiang, as well as LNG dual-fuel tonnage from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Formed by Japanese shipping groups MOL, NYK and K Line, ONE is now the world’s sixth-largest container carrier, according to Alphaliner. The company operates around 280 ships with total capacity exceeding 2m teu.
The order also comes during a leadership transition, with CEO Jeremy Nixon set to step down on July 1 and Till Ole Barrelet named as his successor.
