|
- Signed a $348.9 million contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for one icebreaker, to be delivered in 2029
- Won the order over leading icebreaker builders, including Finland and Norway
- "We plan to expand new export markets in the special-purpose ship sector based on our technological capabilities and integrated business expertise."
SEOUL, South Korea, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has become the first Korean shipbuilder to secure an overseas order for a dedicated icebreaker.
The company said it has signed a $348.9 million contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration to build one icebreaker.
In the bidding process, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received strong, well-rounded evaluations for price competitiveness, delivery schedules and technological capabilities. The icebreaker under this contract is scheduled for delivery in 2029 and will provide icebreaking support, fleet operations, towing services and ice management in the Baltic Sea off Sweden.
This order was secured amid growing global attention on Arctic shipping routes and Arctic Ocean exploration, after competing with leading icebreaker builders, including Finland and Norway. It is significant as it marks the first time a South Korean shipbuilder has entered the global icebreaker market.
The deal was also the result of strong public-private cooperation, with active support from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sweden and the KOTRA Stockholm Trade Office.
An icebreaker is a specialized ship designed to navigate ice-covered seas by breaking sea ice to open navigable routes. It features a reinforced hull, strong icebreaking capability and a specially designed hull form that allows it to push through and clear ice.
The icebreaker ordered by Sweden from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will measure 126 meters in length and have a displacement of about 15,000 tons. It will feature Polar Class 4 (PC4) icebreaking capability and an electric propulsion system. PC4 generally refers to the ability to continuously break ice approximately 1 to 1.2 meters thick.
The United States has also significantly expanded its investment in icebreaker capabilities, passing legislation last year that increased related funding to about $9 billion. It has also formed the "ICE (Icebreaker Collaboration Effort) Pact" in cooperation with Canada and Finland as part of broader efforts to strengthen polar maritime operations.
According to the ICE Pact, the partners aim to build 70 to 90 icebreakers over the next 10 years.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries aims to actively expand into the global naval and special-purpose vessel markets that require icebreaking capability, leveraging its proven expertise in building icebreakers.
"Following this icebreaker order, global recognition has been given to the strengthened business capabilities achieved through the integration of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo. We will continue to expand new export markets in the special-purpose ship segment based on our technological capabilities and integrated business expertise," said Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Naval and Medium Ship Business.
- Signed a $348.9 million contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for one icebreaker, to be delivered in 2029
- Won the order over leading icebreaker builders, including Finland and Norway
- "We plan to expand new export markets in the special-purpose ship sector based on our technological capabilities and integrated business expertise."
SEOUL, South Korea, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has become the first Korean shipbuilder to secure an overseas order for a dedicated icebreaker.
The company said it has signed a $348.9 million contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration to build one icebreaker.
In the bidding process, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received strong, well-rounded evaluations for price competitiveness, delivery schedules and technological capabilities. The icebreaker under this contract is scheduled for delivery in 2029 and will provide icebreaking support, fleet operations, towing services and ice management in the Baltic Sea off Sweden.
This order was secured amid growing global attention on Arctic shipping routes and Arctic Ocean exploration, after competing with leading icebreaker builders, including Finland and Norway. It is significant as it marks the first time a South Korean shipbuilder has entered the global icebreaker market.
The deal was also the result of strong public-private cooperation, with active support from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Sweden and the KOTRA Stockholm Trade Office.
An icebreaker is a specialized ship designed to navigate ice-covered seas by breaking sea ice to open navigable routes. It features a reinforced hull, strong icebreaking capability and a specially designed hull form that allows it to push through and clear ice.
The icebreaker ordered by Sweden from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will measure 126 meters in length and have a displacement of about 15,000 tons. It will feature Polar Class 4 (PC4) icebreaking capability and an electric propulsion system. PC4 generally refers to the ability to continuously break ice approximately 1 to 1.2 meters thick.
The United States has also significantly expanded its investment in icebreaker capabilities, passing legislation last year that increased related funding to about $9 billion. It has also formed the "ICE (Icebreaker Collaboration Effort) Pact" in cooperation with Canada and Finland as part of broader efforts to strengthen polar maritime operations.
According to the ICE Pact, the partners aim to build 70 to 90 icebreakers over the next 10 years.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries aims to actively expand into the global naval and special-purpose vessel markets that require icebreaking capability, leveraging its proven expertise in building icebreakers.
"Following this icebreaker order, global recognition has been given to the strengthened business capabilities achieved through the integration of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo. We will continue to expand new export markets in the special-purpose ship segment based on our technological capabilities and integrated business expertise," said Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Naval and Medium Ship Business.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Wins South Korea's First Overseas Icebreaker Order
BANGKOK, April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thai indie pop–jazz outfit Jūji gracefully wraps up its debut full-length album with "Pretty Messy," a beautifully crafted title track that invites listeners to embrace past wounds before stepping into the future.
Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and currently signed to Melodic Corner, Jūji has steadily captured audiences with its signature blend of indie pop and jazz, weaving deeply personal narratives in both English and Japanese. Its growing international presence includes performances at Bangkok Music City 2026 in Thailand, Music Lane Festival Okinawa 2026 in Japan, and Minrock Festa 2025 in Busan, South Korea.
Following these international appearances, Jūji reaches a defining milestone with the release of its debut full-length project, The 1st Album, culminating in "Pretty Messy" — a reflective and healing composition that encourages listeners to find beauty and meaning within life's imperfections.
Finding Beauty in Imperfection
"Pretty Messy" explores the process of accepting and embracing sadness. Inspired by real-life experiences, the track reflects on memories, emotional baggage, and the inevitable act of letting go. At its core, it offers a message of quiet optimism: that pain, in hindsight, can reveal its own kind of beauty — especially once we find the strength to move forward.
A Journey Through Love, Longing, and Self-Discovery
As part of The 1st Album, "Pretty Messy" completes a narrative arc centered on love in its many forms — spanning self-discovery, heartbreak, infatuation, and even the longing for something that may never exist.
Over the past year, listeners have followed this journey through standout tracks including "Moon Or Stars," "You," "More & More," "Never This Far Away Gone (All In)," "No Turning Back," "Forbidden Love," and "Dreamland," all leading to the album's poignant conclusion.
The Sound of Jūji
The 1st Album showcases Jūji's distinctive indie pop–jazz sensibility, enriched by each member's unique musical influences. The result is a cohesive body of work that feels both dreamy and sincere — capturing the emotional complexity and quiet vulnerability of the human experience.
Watch & Listen
Experience the beauty of imperfection in Jūji's "Pretty Messy," now available as an official music video on YouTube via Melodic Corner. The 1st Album is also available on all major streaming platforms.
Stay connected with Jūji for upcoming projects and uniquely curated content across all official channels.
Follow Jūji
YouTube : https://youtube.com/@jujiband.official?si=Oqz9qvv59XMdlTCY
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jujiband.official/?hl=en
Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@jujiband.official?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
"Pretty Messy" Completes Jūji's Debut Album Journey -- A Luminous Title Track About Embracing Pain and Moving Forward
