[Yonhap News Agency/ February 20, 2024] HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has announced securing a notable contract to construct two very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) for an African-based shipping company. The deal, valued at KRW 322.8 billion (approximately $241.3 million), was disclosed in a stock exchange filing on February 20, 2024.

Scheduled to be built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, these vessels are slated for delivery by February 26, 2027. This development underscores HD KSOE's position in the shipbuilding industry, particularly in the construction of specialized vessels like VLACs.

The company's achievements in 2024 are further highlighted by its cumulative order intake since the year's onset, totaling $4.77 billion. These orders encompass a diverse range of vessel types, including LPG carriers, ethane carriers, oil tankers, petrochemical carriers, and LNG carriers, in addition to VLACs. This performance signifies a significant stride towards achieving H​D KSOE's annual target of $13.5 billion, reflecting its competitiveness and market traction in the maritime sector.