Sunday, June 22, 2025
Home Most Popular KMTC Line bets big on Middle East and Indian trades with newbuildings

KMTC Line bets big on Middle East and Indian trades with newbuildings

South Korean intra-Asia carrier Korea Marine Transport Company (KMTC Line) has ordered the largest ships in its 70-year history.

KMTC Line’s representative confirmed to Container News that it is behind orders for two 8,700 TEU ships at HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. The LNG dual-fuelled and methanol-ready newbuildings, scheduled for delivery in early 2027, cost US$115 million each, representing a 10% jump from two years ago.

It is the company’s first newbuilding orders since KMTC Line took delivery of a 2,500 TEU pair, KMTC Seoul and KMTC Dalian, from HD Hyundai Mipo in 2020.

Currently, the largest ships in KMTC Line’s fleet are the 6,500 TEU KMTC Mundra, KMTC Colombo and KMTC Delhi, all built in 2020-2021.

KMTC Line’s representative said the newbuildings would serve either its Far East-Middle East or Far East-Indian Subcontinent services. The company sees growth in these lanes and wants to increase its capacity in these areas.

A KMTC Line representative said: “Bigger ships are needed because demand in the Middle East and India is growing, so we proceeded with the newbuilding orders.”

In July, KMTC Line joined X-Press Feeders’ India-Red Sea Express 2 service connecting India with the Red Sea, as a co-loader.


Martina Li
Asia Correspondent





Latest Posts

Vigor Marine Group’s consolidation signals US push to counter China’s shipbuilding dominance

In a bold move to strengthen America’s maritime capabilities, five leading US ship repair and marine service providers have united under a single banner. This...

AI reshape shipping operations

The integration of artificial intelligence into shipping operations, is poised to transform competition in the maritime industry by enhancing efficiency, safety, and sustainability while...

From risk to reliability: The case for specialist freight partners

The freight forwarding landscape is increasingly complex. Importers and exporters are navigating a minefield of shifting customs regulations, stricter environmental pressures, and a rapidly...

Calling Up Innovation: How Large-Format 3D Printing Is Changing the Manufacturing Game

The manufacturing industry has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and expand creative possibilities. In recent...

Streamlining Lifting Operations: Why Jib Cranes Are Essential for Compact Workspaces

Lifting and moving heavy loads is a critical function in many industrial and commercial settings. Whether in manufacturing plants, warehouses, or workshops, efficient material...
error: Content is protected !!