South Korean container shipping company HMM has approved a KRW 2.168 trillion (approximately US$1.62 billion) investment programme covering 12 containerships, as part of its efforts to strengthen its fleet and improve competitiveness.
According to a regulatory filing dated 15 October 2026, the investment was approved by the company’s Board of Directors and includes eight newbuildings and four resale newbuildings, representing a combined capacity of approximately 114,100 TEU.
Investment programme includes large and smaller containerships
The programme comprises eight 13,000 TEU containerships, three 2,800 TEU vessels and one 1,700 TEU ship.
The eight larger vessels account for 104,000 TEU of the planned capacity, while the four smaller vessels will contribute an additional 10,100 TEU.
The smaller ships are classified as resale newbuildings, meaning vessels acquired through resale arrangements rather than conventional secondhand purchases of ships already in service.
According to the disclosure, the investment represents approximately 8.16% of HMM’s equity, with the final vessel delivery expected by December 2029.
HMM stated that the investment is intended to reinforce its container shipping operations and enhance the competitiveness of its fleet.
The announced investment amount and delivery schedule may be subject to adjustments depending on final vessel specifications and delivery arrangements.
The regulatory filing confirms approval of the investment programme. However, the Board’s decision should not be interpreted as confirmation that all individual shipbuilding and vessel acquisition contracts have already been executed.
