Contract positions South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for growth in polar and specialty vessel markets
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a $348.9 million contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration to build a next-generation icebreaker, marking the first overseas order for a dedicated icebreaking vessel by a South Korean shipbuilder.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029 and will support year-round maritime operations in the Baltic Sea, including icebreaking, towing, fleet assistance and ice management.
The contract follows a competitive international tender process, where HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received high marks for price competitiveness, delivery schedule and technical capability, prevailing against established icebreaker builders in Northern Europe.
The icebreaker will measure 126 meters in length with a displacement of approximately 15,000 tons and will be built to Polar Class 4 (PC4) standards, enabling continuous icebreaking in ice thicknesses of approximately 1 to 1.2 meters. The vessel will feature an electric propulsion system designed to enhance efficiency and operational flexibility.
The design is based on a joint Swedish-Finnish concept developed in collaboration with the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency and engineering firm Railotech. The vessel has been validated through extensive ice tank and wind tunnel testing.
“Following this icebreaker order, global recognition has been given to the strengthened business capabilities achieved through the integration of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo. We will continue to expand new export markets in the special-purpose ship segment based on our technological capabilities and integrated business expertise,” said Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Naval and Medium Ship Business.
“Nine out of ten goods exported and imported to and from Sweden are transported by sea. Swedish basic industry depends on maritime transport functioning year-round. Our icebreakers have served Sweden well for decades, but now need to be gradually replaced. This is an important step in securing preparedness and keeping ports open all year round”, says Erik Eklund, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration.
