ports

HMM Rebuilds Intra-Asia Operations With Expanded Feeder Fleet

Hyundai Merchant Marine is pursuing a hub-and-spoke strategy to recover market share in regional Asian shipping lanes. The South Korean carrier's intra-Asia presence fell to 0.5% from 5% when it redirected vessels to transpacific and Europe services during the pandemic. HMM has 22 feeder ships on order, including 10 at 2,800 teu from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, seven at 3,000 teu, and five at 1,800 teu from Chinese yards. Deliveries are scheduled by 2029. The carrier recently acquired two 1,956 teu newbuilds from resale markets, to be delivered this year and next. South-east Asia now represents 17% of HMM's container volume, up from 11% in 2020, as manufacturers shift operations away from China amid trade tensions. The expansion supports HMM's mid-to-long term regional growth objectives.