▶ Fuel efficiency up 25%, saving 6.6 million KRW in annual fuel costs ▶ Q1 sales of 32-ton next-gen models in Korea up 50% vs. previous models ▶ DEVELON 32-ton model launch set for H2 to expand the next-gen model lineup  HD Construction Equipment’s next-generation models are easing the burden of high oil prices for customers by delivering significantly improved performance and fuel efficiency. The company announced on Wednesday, the 15th, that it has sold 60 units of the HYUNDAI 32-ton next-generation excavator (HX320) in the Korean market within just three months since its launch in January of this year. This sales figure represents an increase of over 50% compared to the sales of the previous model during the same period. The strong customer demand for these next-generation models, which offer enhanced fuel efficiency and smart technology, is particularly notable amid high oil prices. The HX320 achieves optimal work efficiency by integrating an independently developed DX08 engine with the Full Electronic Hydraulic (FEH) system. This design allows the machine to deliver maximum performance at a notably lower engine speed of 1,800 RPM, while also increasing the rated power compared to previous models. As a result, the HX320 has improved fuel efficiency, achieving 25% more workload per liter. Based on an operational time of 1,500 hours per year, this translates to an estimated savings of 6.6 million KRW in fuel costs. These next-generation models are "Smart Excavators" developed by HD Construction Equipment to compete with global top-tier brands. They are equipped with a suite of advanced technologies, including AI-based smart safety features, semi-automatic control functions, and equipment status monitoring systems. These innovations ensure peak performance across all key areas, including safety, user convenience, operational efficiency, and durability. A customer who purchased the HX320 remarked, "Compared to traditional hydraulic equipment, I have seen a significant improvement in fuel efficiency with the electronic system. I was able to confirm this reduction through actual work data. This equipment is excellent for boosting operational efficiency, especially given the current high oil prices." An official from HD Construction Equipment commented, "We are seeing a rising interest in next-generation models that deliver proven fuel efficiency and performance in both Korea and advanced markets, especially amid the trend of high oil prices. We will continue to highlight the technological capabilities of K-construction equipment in the global market and drive sales through our next-generation models." Meanwhile, HD Construction Equipment plans to expand its next-generation lineup by launching a 32-ton DEVELON model in the second half of this year.  

▶ Naming ceremony held for two mid-sized gas carriers equipped with ammonia dual-fuel engines ▶ Ammonia projected to account for 46% of global marine fuel by 2050 ▶ “HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will continue to lead the global eco-friendly ship market through technological innovation” HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) said it has built the world’s first ammonia-powered vessel and held a naming ceremony on March 9 for two such ships at its Ulsan shipyard. The ceremony marked the naming of two 46,000-cubic-meter mid-sized gas carriers equipped with dual-fuel (DF) engines. About 70 officials and employees attended the event, including Joo Won-ho, head of HHI’s Naval & Special Ship Business Unit; Nicolas Saverys, chairman of Exmar; and H. E. Bruno Jans, Belgium’s ambassador to South Korea.  The two vessels were named “Antwerpen” and “Arlon,” after cities in Belgium. They are the first and second of four ammonia-powered mid-sized gas carriers ordered by Exmar LPG France, a subsidiary of Belgian shipping company Exmar, in 2023 and 2024. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered to the shipowner in May and late July, respectively, following final outfitting. The vessels measure 190 meters in length, 30.4 meters in width and 18.8 meters in height, and are equipped with three cargo tanks designed and built using HHI’s proprietary technology, enabling the safe transport of liquefied gas cargoes such as ammonia and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).  They also feature a shaft generator, which produces electricity using the propulsion engine’s rotating shaft, and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, further enhancing their environmental performance. The vessels are also equipped with advanced detection and mitigation systems, including an ammonia gas detector for real-time leak monitoring and an ammonia purge recovery unit, ensuring a high level of safety.  Ammonia (NH3), an eco-friendly, carbon-free fuel, can be stored in pressurized tanks at around 8 bar or in refrigerated tanks at -33°C without the need for cryogenic technology. In liquid form, it has about 1.7 times higher storage density than liquefied hydrogen (-253°C) at the same volume, making it suitable for large-scale, long-distance transport and storage of hydrogen. A net-zero roadmap released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that ammonia will account for 8% of marine fuel demand in 2030, rising to 46% by 2050, indicating that demand for ammonia-powered vessels is expected to grow significantly. “It is very meaningful for us to have built the world’s first ammonia-powered vessel, which requires advanced technical expertise. We will continue to strengthen our leadership in the global eco-friendly ship market through ongoing technological innovation,” said Joo Won-ho, head of HHI’s Naval & Special Ship Business Unit. HHI has secured orders for a total of eight ammonia-powered vessels from companies including Exmar and Trafigura. The company has also led the next-generation eco-friendly fuel ship market, having delivered the world’s first methanol-powered petrochemical product carrier in 2016 and the world’s first methanol-powered container ship in 2023.  

▶ Applying smart safety devices to construction machinery... fundamentally preventing pedestrian collisions and equipment overturning accidents. ▶ Expanding the scope of cooperation to include verification of safety technologies and the supply of smart construction equipment. HD Construction Equipment is joining forces with Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) to accelerate cooperation in smart safety technology, aiming to create safer construction sites. On the 7th, HD Construction Equipment announced that it had signed a "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Joint Development and Application of Smart Safety Technology for Construction Equipment." The signing took place at Hyundai E&C's headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul, with officials from both companies in attendance. This agreement aims to improve the safety management capabilities of construction equipment and to create a sustainable cooperation system built on the technological expertise and practical experience of both companies.      The two companies will collaborate on ▲supplying construction equipment, including excavators equipped with smart safety technology, ▲conducting technical consultations and promoting standardization to incorporate safety devices from the manufacturing stage, and ▲demonstrating and verifying construction equipment equipped with smart safety devices. HD Construction Equipment will provide advanced safety sensors and modules to be installed on Hyundai E&C's construction equipment currently in use. These devices include the Smart Around View Monitor (SAVM), which utilizes AI-based cameras to detect and alert operators about individuals in the vicinity of the equipment, and the Overload Warning Device (OWD), which continuously measures the weight of the load and the tilt of the equipment in real-time to prevent loss of balance and potential overturning. Beginning in the second half of this year, "Smart Excavators" with next-generation safety technologies will be gradually introduced at various sites. These smart excavators will be equipped with advanced features, including collision warning, an auto stop function (E-STOP), and a "Virtual Wall." The Virtual Wall ensures that the equipment stays within a designated virtual boundary, even in the event of operator error. Choi Tae-geun, Executive Vice President of HD Construction Equipment’s Sales Division, stated, "Through this collaboration, we will continue to expand the distribution of AI-based safety solutions and smart construction equipment, significantly improving practical safety at construction sites."