Korea Marine Transport Co (KMTC) has been linked to its biggest move yet in the newbuild market, locking in an order for four 13,000 teu containerships at HD Hyundai yards.

Brokers report the Seoul-based liner operator has committed to the quartet at around $150m per ship, marking a significant step up in vessel size for the intra-Asia-focused carrier.

If confirmed, this would represent KMTC’s largest containership order to date – both in scale and value.

KMTC is currently ranked 17th on Alphaliner’s global carrier list with a fleet of over 60 boxships, most of which are geared toward short- and mid-haul Asia trades. The fleet has traditionally leaned toward smaller units, with only a few post-panamax ships in service.

The move to larger tonnage follows KMTC’s re-entry into the transpacific market earlier this year, ending a 40-year absence. The company joined SeaLead Shipping and TS Lines on the Asia West Coast (AWC) service and separately launched a new Asia-Mexico loop amid improving market conditions and rising cargo volumes.

KMTC has a long-standing relationship with HD Hyundai. In November 2024, it ordered two 8,700 teu ships to be built at HD Hyundai Samho for about $115m each. Delivery of these units, marked as the company’s largest at the time, is scheduled for March 2027.