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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul, South Korea – May 25, 2025 – POSCO Group is ramping up its global energy business with the introduction of its first dedicated liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier.
POSCO International (KRX: 047050) announced on May 23 that it held a naming ceremony for the HL FORTUNA at HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do. “Fortuna,” derived from Latin, means “fortune.” The ceremony was attended by POSCO International President Lee Kye-in, POSCO Head of Procurement and Investment Yoo Kyung Lee, HD Hyundai Samho President Kim Jae-eul, and H-Line Shipping President Seo Myung-deuk.
To ensure a stable LNG supply, POSCO Group has introduced the LNG-dedicated vessel, with POSCO International overseeing long-term import contracts and overall operations. The vessel was built by HD Hyundai Samho, and H-Line Shipping will be in charge of operational management.
The HL FORTUNA measures 299 meters in length and 46.5 meters in width, with a total cargo capacity of 174,000 cubic meters. Optimized for transporting North American LNG, the vessel is capable of delivering enough natural gas in a single trip to power South Korea for approximately 12 hours. It is also equipped with a dual-fuel propulsion system using LNG as its primary fuel, enhancing both efficiency and environmental performance.
Following its delivery on May 27 and subsequent sea trials, the HL FORTUNA will be deployed in global LNG trading starting in the second half of the year. Beginning in 2026, it will transport LNG from the Cheniere terminal in Louisiana to Korea and other destinations. The vessel is expected to make more than five round trips annually between North America and the Gwangyang LNG terminal, playing a key role in POSCO International’s long-term LNG transport operations.
POSCO International plans to accelerate its North American LNG imports using the dedicated vessel. The company has secured a long-term supply contract for 400,000 tons per year with Cheniere Energy and another 700,000-ton contract with Mexico Pacific. POSCO International also intends to add additional LNG carriers in line with the development timeline of the Mexico Pacific LNG project.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
