In a busy week for its expansion plans, the South Korean flagship shipping line ordered four 13,000 teu vessels from Hana Ocean to be built, a $730m order, with the new ships due for delivery in 2029.

HMM has signed a contract HD Hyundai to order eight 13,400 teu liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel container ships, a $1.46 order [HMM splashes $146m for 8 LNG dual-fuel vessels in HD Hyundai deal].

HMM became the eighth member of “Million TEU Club” last month. According to Alphaliner’s analysis, HMM’s current fleet capacity stands at 1,016,180 teu, and the analysis also notes that the South Korean line’s operating capacity has doubled over the past five years.

In September last year, HMM unveiled expansion plan until the end of the century, setting aside up to KRW23.5 trillion ($17.48bn) for the scheme, which will see its container size almost double and its tanker and dry bulk fleet sizes increase to three times the original size by 2030.