Korean engines power China’s eco-friendly shipbuilding surge

In South Korea, Chosun reports China’s dominance in global shipbuilding is driving a surge in demand for advanced Korean ship engines, solidifying South Korea’s technological edge in the maritime sector. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, a leader in large and eco-friendly ship engine production, exported 80 large engines and 250 medium-sized engines to China in 2024, with many designed for dual-fuel use, enabling vessels to operate on cleaner fuels like LNG and methanol.

To meet rising demand, HD Hyundai established a China Engine Technology Service Department last November, focusing on local commissioning and support. “Exports to China of engines with technological advantages, such as large engines over 20,000 kW and dual-fuel engines, have soared in recent years,” an official from HD Hyundai said.

According to the Korea International Trade Association, China imported $595 million worth of Korean ship engines in the first three quarters of 2024, already surpassing the total imports for 2023. Korean engines now represent 70% of China’s ship engine imports.

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