Capital Orders Dual-Fuel LNG Containerships Amid Global Push

Greek shipowner Capital has entered into a $57 million agreement for the construction of two 2,800 TEU dual-fuel LNG containerships. These vessels, set for delivery in 2027, are part of the industry’s broader shift toward sustainable shipping solutions.

Designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions, the new units will also feature advanced exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), commonly known as scrubbers, for additional environmental compliance.

Next-Generation Vessels: LNG Power and Environmental Features

The newly ordered ships are designed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional marine fuels. According to estimates, using LNG could reduce CO₂ emissions by nearly 25,000 tonnes per vessel annually. This makes the ships far more environmentally friendly, particularly in light of tightening international regulations on maritime emissions.

Additionally, the containerships will be equipped with scrubbers to further cut down sulfur oxide emissions. These environmental features align Capital’s fleet with future decarbonization targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and support compliance with evolving cold ironing regulations—requiring ships to connect to shore power while at berth to reduce port emissions.

Capital and HD KSOE: Expanding a Strategic LNG Partnership

This new order adds to Capital’s growing portfolio of LNG-powered vessels, including six other boxships under construction at South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.

In collaboration with Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), HD KSOE will equip these vessels with 8,000 cbm cryogenic LNG tanks featuring the Mark III Flex membrane containment system. This technology enhances LNG storage efficiency and extends holding time, making it ideal for long voyages and future environmental mandates.

HD KSOE is rapidly becoming a global leader in LNG-fueled shipbuilding. Since the start of 2025, it has secured contracts to build at least twenty LNG-powered containerships, including twelve 18,000 TEU units for CMA CGM under a $2.57 billion agreement and eight additional vessels for an unnamed Asian company in a $1.76 billion deal.

Capital’s latest order of dual-fuel LNG vessels underscores a growing maritime trend: investing in greener, future-ready ships that comply with stricter environmental standards. With HD KSOE’s shipbuilding expertise and GTT’s cryogenic technologies, Capital is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable container shipping. As global demand for LNG-powered vessels accelerates, this move not only supports emissions reduction but also ensures long-term competitiveness in a rapidly evolving shipping landscape.