HMM Achieves 'AA' Rating in MSCI ESG Assessment, Among Top Global Shipping Companies

by Choi Youngchan

Published 13 Apr.2026 09:43(KST)

Three Notch Upgrade in Five Years from BB Rating in 2021

HMM announced on April 13 that it has received an 'AA' rating in this year's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessment by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI).

An HMM container ship is docked at Busan Port. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

MSCI, a subsidiary of the American investment bank Morgan Stanley, is a global financial company that provides key indicators for corporate valuation to investors worldwide. Since 1999, MSCI's ESG assessment has been used as a core investment indicator by global investment institutions to evaluate corporate sustainability.

The 'AA' rating is the second highest among MSCI's seven ESG grades and designates companies in the leader group that proactively manage ESG-related risks and opportunities. It is also one of the highest levels among global listed shipping companies.

HMM received high scores across all areas-environment (E), social (S), and governance (G)-in this assessment. In particular, the company was highly rated in the environmental category for its concrete achievements in meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets, and in the social category for its strong safety and health management capabilities.

HMM was included in the MSCI index in 2021 with a BB rating and subsequently earned a BBB rating in 2025, up one notch through continuous efforts. From this year, the evaluation system has become even more stringent, and HMM's leading ESG management led to a two-level upgrade in its rating.

An HMM official stated, "This achievement is an objective recognition in the global investment market of HMM's sincerity and consistent efforts in ESG management. We will continue to do our best to achieve sustainable growth."

Meanwhile, in addition to this MSCI assessment, HMM is also recognized by leading global ESG rating agencies: it has received the 'Platinum (Top 1%)' grade for two consecutive years in France's EcoVadis assessment, has been selected as 'Global Top Shipping Company' twice in a row by Sustainalytics under U.S.-based Morningstar, and has received an 'A-' grade from the global non-profit environmental disclosure organization CDP, among other top-level achievements.