HD Hyundai, South Korea's premier shipbuilding conglomerate, achieved several strategic achievements in late 2025 to reinforce their dominance across both commercial and naval shipbuilding sectors. From massive containership orders to naval exports and international expansion plans, HD Hyundai navigated an evolving market by winning key contracts and partnerships.
HMM Orders Eight Ultra-Large Containerships Worth $1.46 Billion
On November 24, 2025, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), the holding company for HD Hyundai's shipbuilding units, and HMM reached an unprecedented contract worth $1.456 billion to construct eight 13,400 TEU dual fuel container ships measuring 337 meters long by 51 wide by 27 9 meters high, equipped with LNG dual-fuel engines and 50% larger fuel tanks for improved efficiency.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Hyundai Samho will build two ships each, with deliveries scheduled through the first half of 2029. This order represents HD Hyundai's highest container ship volume since 2007, contributing to 720,000 TEU across 69 vessels for domestic builders yearly total. HD Hyundai also highlighted its technological leadership for eco-friendly vessels as an industry decarbonization initiative.
HD Hyundai Wins Philippine Navy Contract for Two Next-Generation Frigates
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries secured a significant naval export deal on December 26th 2025 when South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) officially confirmed their contract, valued by analysts as around $500 Million and building upon previous successes with Jose Rizal-class frigates delivered in 2020 and 2021.
The new frigates feature upgrades such as 3D air search radar, upgraded electronic warfare systems, vertical launch systems for surface-to-air missiles and the Korean Combat Management System. Construction at Ulsan shipyard begins mid-2026 in line with Philippine Horizon 3 modernization program to boost blue water capabilities amid Indo-Pacific tensions; Philippine officers will join early for training purposes.
Strategic Partnership Agreement to Open New Shipyard in Tamil Nadu of India
On December 8, 2025, HD Hyundai and the Tamil Nadu state government entered into a strategic partnership to identify sites for a potential shipyard on the Bay of Bengal. Reports indicate a possible $2 billion investment for two or three building berth facilities that take advantage of regional port upgrades and provide climate conditions similar to Ulsan.
HD Hyundai's initiative supports India's ambitious goal to become one of the five global shipbuilders, expanding capacity to 500,000 gross tons and growing its merchant fleet. HD Hyundai deepened ties with state-owned BEML for port crane manufacturing while entering into an MOU with Cochin Shipyard to collaborate on design and training collaboration - further diversifying production while tapping into India's shipbuilding surge.
HD Hyundai is reaping the rewards of its robust order book and global footprint expansion, positioning itself against increasing competition through innovation and strategic alliances.