New Orders Pouring Into HHI

HHI South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) reported USD 2.04 billion-worth of newbuilding orders in the first quarter of 2017, up by 22.9 percent when compared to the corresponding figures from last year. The shipbuilding segment booked USD 763 million worth of orders, surging by 226.07 percent against last years 234 million, HHI said in a report. However, the companys offshore and engineering arm saw a 65 percent drop in ordering activity with USD 51 million worth of orders. HHIs industrial plant and engine and machinery sectors were also hit by a decrease in ordering activity by 50 and 17 percent respectively. Boosting the companys order intake were, inter alia, Greek shipowner Enesel that ordered two 300,000-ton very large crude carriers (VLCC) and DHT Holdings that also ordered a VLCC pair earlier this year in addition to CLdNs RoRo duo. The results are in line with the shipbuilders recovery recorded in full-year results for 2016 as HHIs net profit came at USD 596.6 million, returning from a loss of USD 1.18 billion seen in 2015. The turnaround came after a variety of revamping measures HHI implemented to sharpen its competitiveness including management improvement plan and reorganizing affiliated companies. Namely, in February this year, HHI got an approval from shareholders to reorganize its businesses into separate companies so as to bolster its financial status. Separately, earlier this month, HHI Group revealed plans to invest USD 1.8 billion in research and development (R&D) programs by 2021 through its newly established independent shipbuilding company – Hyundai Heavy Industries. Under the plan, the new HHI intends to invest in developing eco-friendly and smart ships, enhancing offshore engineering capability, and establishing smart shipyards. World Maritime News Staff