Rendering of the icebreaker vessel ordered from Sweden and won by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Photo courtesy of HD Hyundai
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (329180.KS) is expanding its export base after securing its first-ever orders for a dedicated icebreaker in Europe and data center power generation equipment in the United States.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said Wednesday it has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) to build one dedicated icebreaker worth $348.9 million (approximately 515 billion won). It marks the first time a Korean shipyard has won an overseas order for a dedicated icebreaker.
A dedicated icebreaker is a specialized vessel that opens sea routes by breaking ice on the surface when navigating ice-covered waters. The ship to be delivered to SMA is a large vessel measuring 126 meters in length with a displacement of 15,000 tons. It has PC4-class icebreaking capability, allowing continuous crushing of ice 1 to 1.2 meters thick, and is equipped with an electric propulsion system. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered by 2029 and will perform missions including icebreaking support, fleet navigation support, towing operations, and ice management in the Baltic Sea off Sweden.
The order carries significant meaning as it was secured by beating out competition from icebreaker powerhouses such as Finland and Norway, amid heightened global interest in developing Arctic shipping routes.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries also recently signed a contract with US energy infrastructure developer AEG to supply 20-megawatt HiMSEN engine-based power generation equipment. The contract totals 684 megawatts and 627.1 billion won, making it the largest power generation engine contract in the company’s history.
The contracted units will be used for data center power infrastructure, which requires stable electricity supply. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ 20-megawatt HiMSEN engine for power generation is a large-capacity medium-speed engine that offers high output and efficiency, as well as rapid start-up and stable load response capabilities, giving it a competitive edge in the data center market where 24-hour uninterrupted operation is essential.
“Based on our engine technology and service capabilities covering overall construction and operation, we will accelerate our push into overseas markets,” HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said, adding that it plans to expand its business into various operational fields centered on the HiMSEN engine lineup.