South Korea’s Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries has added a new berth to accommodate more eco-friendly ships, especially LNG carriers.
The “second dolphin berth” at the Mokpo yard can dock four ultra-large ships simultaneously, with two on each side of the quay.
Hyundai Samho — one of four shipyards in the HD Hyundai group — added the quay to address the shortage of berths caused by increasing newbuilding volumes and LNG carriers, which require up to twice as much berthing time during final outfitting as vessels such as tankers.
“Hyundai Samho has secured additional driving force to lead the eco-friendly ship market,” HD Hyundai chairman Kwon Oh-gap said. “We will maximise the construction of high-value-added [eco-friendly] ships to become a key company in the south-western region.”
The shipyard began construction of the berth in July 2023. It is 530 metres long, including connecting roads, and is equipped with two large cranes.
Hyundai Samho said the quay extends the yard’s total berthing facilities to 3.6 km and boosts capacity by 28.6%, from 14 to 18 vessels.
The new facility will reduce production bottlenecks and the leasing costs incurred from renting nearby port facilities.
“By securing a wider and safer workspace, the working environment of workers has also been greatly improved,” the yard said.
Clarksons’ Shipping Intelligence Network lists Hyundai Samho as having 105 newbuildings on its orderbook, of which 35 are LNG carriers.
