HD Hyundai Samho, part of the HD Hyundai Group, will build two of the 16,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) vessels, while SHI will construct an identical pair. The total deal is valued at up to $816 million, with each vessel priced between $186.5 million and $204 million at HD Hyundai Samho, and between $187.6 million and $204 million at SHI. Delivery dates for these newbuildings have not yet been announced.
Wan Hai Lines currently operates a fleet of over 120 vessels. Recent additions include the 13,100 TEU Wan Hai A16, the ninth in its series built by SHI, and the Wan Hai A17, which joined the fleet in September 2024, two months after its predecessor. These vessels reflect the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its fleet with advanced, efficient ships.
In October 2024, Wan Hai Lines placed an order with the same two shipyards—HD Hyundai Samho and SHI—for eight methanol-ready container vessels, each with a capacity of 16,000 TEU and priced similarly to the latest order. The delivery timeline for these ships remains undisclosed. Additionally, in September 2024, the company committed to acquiring up to 20 methanol-ready vessels under construction at CSBC Corporation in Taiwan and HD Hyundai Samho. Another order for a dual-fuel quartet was secured with HD Hyundai in November 2024, with deliveries expected in the coming years.
The Taipei-based company, a major player in global container shipping, is investing in methanol-ready vessels to enhance the sustainability of its operations. These dual-fuel ships are designed to support alternative fuels like methanol, aligning with industry trends toward cleaner energy solutions. By expanding its fleet with advanced vessels, Wan Hai Lines aims to improve efficiency and meet growing global demand for maritime transport.
These strategic orders underscore Wan Hai Lines’ commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility in the shipping sector. The collaboration with HD Hyundai Samho and SHI, alongside ongoing projects with CSBC Corporation, positions the company to strengthen its competitive edge in the global market while contributing to a more sustainable future for maritime transportation.
