Core Viewpoint - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has secured a contract for the construction of two 18,000 cubic meter LNG bunkering vessels, valued at approximately 2.706 trillion KRW (around 198 million USD) with a delivery date set for December 2027 [2][3]. Group 1: Contract Details - The contract for the two LNG bunkering vessels amounts to 2.706 trillion KRW (approximately 198 million USD), translating to a unit price of about 99 million USD per vessel [2]. - The vessels will be constructed at HD Hyundai's Ulsan facility and are part of a larger trend, as the company has received a total of 55 new ship orders worth 6.7 trillion KRW (approximately 4.81 billion RMB) this year [2][3]. - The latest contract follows a previous agreement with Greek shipowner Evalend Shipping for four similar vessels, totaling 538.3 billion KRW (approximately 3.71 million USD) [3]. Group 2: Industry Context - The global demand for LNG bunkering vessels is expected to grow significantly, with the number of ships using LNG as fuel projected to increase from 472 in 2023 to 1,174 by 2033, marking a 149% growth [4]. - The annual consumption of LNG for bunkering is anticipated to reach 15 million tons by 2028, representing a 4.7-fold increase from 2023 [4]. - LNG bunkering vessels are considered high-value, high-tech assets that play a crucial role in the LNG supply chain, providing significant advantages over traditional bunkering methods [3]. Group 3: Company Achievements - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan facility is recognized as the leading shipyard for LNG bunkering vessels, having delivered several notable ships since 2016, including the largest LNG bunkering vessel at the time, "Kairos" [5]. - The "K.LOTUS" vessel, delivered in 2022, was recognized in the RINA's "Significant Ships of 2022" list, highlighting the company's reputation for quality and innovation in shipbuilding [6].