HD Hyundai Takes Lead with 'Methanol Containership'... Regular Shipping Attends Denmark Naming Ceremony

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Jung Ki-sun, President of HD Hyundai, attended the naming ceremony of the world's first methanol-powered container ship, continuing efforts to secure a leading position in the eco-friendly ship market.

HD Hyundai announced on the 17th that President Jung recently attended the naming ceremony of the 2100 TEU methanol-powered container carrier 'Laura Maersk' held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, this vessel is the first of 19 methanol-powered ships ordered by the global shipping group A.P. Moller-Maersk (hereafter Maersk) from HD Hyundai, and it is significant as the first container carrier to use methanol as fuel. Methanol is a next-generation ship fuel gaining attention following LNG. Previously, Maersk set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 and announced the introduction of methanol-powered ships as the first step.

On the 14th (local time), Jung Ki-sun, President of HD Hyundai (far right), Robert Musk, Chairman of Ugla Musk (second from right), and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (fourth from right), took a commemorative photo in the cabin after the naming ceremony of the 'Laura Musk'. [Photo by Musk]

The Laura Maersk departed from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan last July and arrived in Copenhagen, Denmark on the 13th after a two-month voyage covering a total of 21,500 km. Maersk wanted to hold the naming ceremony at its headquarters to symbolize "A New Era of Shipping." President Jung also traveled to Copenhagen to attend the ceremony.

In addition to President Jung, the naming ceremony was attended by Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of the shipowner company, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and others, celebrating the naming of the Laura Maersk.

The ship's name was inspired by the first steamship 'Laura' purchased by the founder's father, Peter Moller. The bow and hull bear the slogan "All the Way to Zero," symbolizing the path to zero carbon neutrality. Maersk broadcasted the ship's arrival in Copenhagen and the entire naming ceremony live on YouTube and other platforms, announcing the successful launch of the world's first methanol-powered container ship to the world.

Jeong Gi-seon, President of HD Hyundai, met with Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, at the Maersk headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the 13th (local time) and took a commemorative photo after a friendly conversation.
[Photo by HD Hyundai]

President Jung has been expanding his engagements with global shipping companies and attending international exhibitions consecutively to respond to the demand for eco-friendly new technologies in the shipbuilding and shipping markets.

The day before the naming ceremony, he met with Robert Maersk Uggla, Chairman of Maersk, with whom HD Hyundai has maintained a long-standing relationship, at Maersk headquarters to discuss enhancing future cooperation. At the meeting, President Jung said, "I am confident that the Laura Maersk will be an important milestone for carbon neutrality," adding, "We will accelerate the realization of the green ocean through innovative and leading technological development."

On the same morning, he visited the R&D facilities of MAN Energy Solutions in Copenhagen to review the status of the jointly developed ammonia-powered engine. He also discussed cooperation plans with Bjarne Foldager, Head of MAN Energy Solutions' large engine (2-Stroke) business.

The world's first methanol-powered container ship 'Laura Musk' built by Hyundai Mipo Dockyard [Photo provided by HD Hyundai]

Earlier, starting from the 5th of this month, President Jung visited the 'Gastech 2023' event held in Singapore, introducing eco-friendly technologies and visions to clients, and personally oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding related to the development of ammonia dual-fuel propulsion ships with Singapore shipping company EPS, the American Bureau of Shipping, MAN ES, and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. He also attended the contract signing ceremony for an ammonia carrier held locally in Singapore, celebrating the early achievement of this year's order target.

HD Hyundai has secured orders for a total of 43 methanol-powered container ships, the largest number in the world. The company is leading the next-generation eco-friendly ship market with achievements such as ▲obtaining basic certification for ammonia-powered and carrier ships ▲developing LNG and hydrogen 'dual-fuel engines' ▲constructing the ICT-converged electric propulsion smart ship 'Ulsan Taehwa.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.