A New Era for South Korea’s Maritime Industry

The HMM Sky, South Korea’s first LNG-powered containership, has made history by completing its first commercial ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the global push for greener shipping solutions. On February 24, 2025, HMM, the South Korean shipping giant, announced the successful operation via social media, showcasing the vessel’s ability to receive approximately 2,400 tons of LNG while handling cargo at Busan New Port.

Built by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) and delivered at the end of 2024, the HMM Sky and its sister vessel, HMM Ocean, are the pride of South Korea’s maritime innovation. These vessels, ordered by Greek shipowner Navios in 2022, are now chartered by HMM for up to 14 years, signaling a long-term commitment to sustainable shipping.

Powering the Future with LNG

LNG (liquefied natural gas) is rapidly becoming the fuel of choice for the shipping industry, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels. The HMM Sky and HMM Ocean are at the forefront of this transition, operating on HMM’s Far East–India–Mediterranean (FIM) service since January 2025. These vessels are not just a technological marvel but also a testament to HMM’s ambitious green strategy.

By 2030, HMM plans to acquire around 70 eco-friendly vessels, with the ultimate goal of establishing a carbon-neutral ecosystem across all transportation segments by 2045. To achieve this, the company has committed to investing a staggering KRW 23.5 trillion ($17.48 billion) in sustainable growth over the next decade.

A Global Alliance for Greener Shipping

HMM’s efforts are part of a broader industry shift toward sustainability. The company recently completed its fleet of twelve LNG-ready 13,000 TEU containerships, built by Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. These vessels are designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly shipping solutions.

In another significant development, the Premier Alliance—a global shipping partnership between HMM, Singapore’s Ocean Network Express (ONE), and Taiwan’s Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation—officially launched on February 9, 2025. This alliance allows the three companies to share vessels and routes across major trade lanes, including Asia-Europe, Transpacific, and Asia-Middle East, further amplifying the impact of their green initiatives.

Why This Matters

The HMM Sky’s successful LNG bunkering operation is more than just a technical achievement—it’s a glimpse into the future of global shipping. As the industry grapples with the urgent need to reduce emissions, innovations like LNG-powered vessels and strategic alliances are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable maritime ecosystem.