▶ Applied to a 13,000-TEU container ship built and delivered for a French shipping company ▶ Increases on-deck cargo capacity by more than 10% while enhancing container stability ▶ Recognized as a key technology enabling automation and unmanned operations not only at ports but also across land and maritime logistics HD Hyundai has delivered the world’s first “Lashing-Free” container ship, introducing a new concept that eliminates the need for workers to manually secure containers on board. HD Hyundai announced on Tuesday, October 6, that it recently delivered a 13,000-TEU container ship for a French shipping company, with its hybrid-type Lashing-Free technology partially applied. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries independently developed and validated all key components of the Lashing-Free technology, while HD Hyundai Samho was responsible for the detailed design and construction of the vessel incorporating the system. The Lashing-Free container ship removes the need for manual container lashing, which has traditionally been carried out by workers using lashing equipment on large container vessels. It also incorporates technologies designed to prevent cargo loss and maximize logistics efficiency. The vessel extends the cell guides, which support containers stacked vertically in alignment inside the cargo hold, all the way above deck. With conventional large hatch covers, however, the extended cell guides would be obstructed, preventing them from reaching above deck. To overcome this structural limitation, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries developed a standardized portable bench that can be installed between the cell guides. The portable bench is built to the same dimensions as a 40-foot container, allowing it to be handled using the same port cranes used to load and unload containers. The technology is expected to play a key role in accelerating automation and unmanned operations across the broader logistics network connecting land and sea, including container terminals. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has also developed a Twistlock Rooting System, which securely fastens containers stowed outside the cell guide area to the vessel’s structure. As a result, the Lashing-Free container ship can carry over 10% additional cargo weight on deck compared with conventional vessels of the same type. The system also provides stable support for containers even in rough seas and strong winds, helping prevent cargo loss, enhance maritime safety and reduce the risk of marine pollution. Sea trials conducted by HD Hyundai in September showed that the Lashing-Free system significantly reduces vibration during operation compared with conventional designs using hatch covers and lashing bridges. The company is also developing a next-generation version of the technology incorporating weathertight features. “We plan to expand the application of this new container transportation technology to small- and medium-sized vessels,” said Hongryeul Ryu, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. “By continuing to develop differentiated technologies that deliver tangible value to customers in areas such as safety, loading efficiency and automation, we aim to further strengthen our ability to secure new orders.” Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Lashing-Free technology was introduced as a representative Korean technology related to “measures to prevent the loss of containers at sea” at the 10th session of the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) in 2024. The technology has secured multiple intellectual property registrations in Korea and overseas and was also selected as a recipient of this year’s IR52 Jang Young-shil Award. ■ Portable Bench: A structural component that supports the load of containers stowed on deck and transfers it to the vessel’s structure. ■ Twistlock Rooting System: A container securing technology developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries that firmly fastens containers to the vessel’s structure as if they were rooted in place. Compared with conventional lashing methods, it increases the allowable cargo weight while improving operational stability and reducing the risk of cargo loss.  

▶ Operates up to 9 hours on a single charge, with a high-voltage system that matches internal combustion engine performance ▶ Korea's first full lineup of large 10-to-18-ton models, driving electrification in heavy-duty sites like shipyards and ports ▶ Delivers greater economic benefits to customers while providing solutions to meet tightening environmental regulations HD Hyundai XiteSolution has become the first domestic brand to launch a comprehensive lineup of large electric forklifts, expanding electrification into ultra-heavy-duty environments such as shipyards and ports. HD Hyundai XiteSolution announced on Monday, the 5th, that it recently held a test-drive event for its new Next-Generation Electric Forklift models at its Eumseong plant in Chungcheongbuk-do, showcasing its latest large-capacity lineup, which recently entered mass production. Following the launch of its mid size models last year, HD Hyundai XiteSolution expanded its product family this year to include large 10-to-18-ton classes, establishing the nation's largest full lineup of electric forklifts. HD Hyundai XiteSolution is currently the only manufacturer in South Korea that produces large-scale electric forklifts in the 10-ton-or-higher range. Until now, heavy-duty industrial sites like shipyards, ports, and steel manufacturing facilities have relied primarily on diesel forklifts because of their high power output and long operational hours. However, as environmental regulations tighten and demand for carbon reduction grows, "reducing emissions without sacrificing the productivity of internal combustion engines" has become the core challenge in electrifying large forklifts. HD Hyundai XiteSolution solved this challenge by deploying a high-voltage system and rapid charging technology. Built on a high-voltage battery system, the new forklifts secure a stable power output while boosting electric motor performance—achieving operational speeds, gradeability, and power output equivalent to traditional internal combustion products. Notably, even the largest 18-ton model can operate for up to 9 hours on a single charge. When equipped with an optional 120kW rapid charging system, the battery can reach an 80% charge in just 1.5 hours. Depending on the model, some equipment can run for up to 14 hours (based on the 4.5-ton model) on a single charge, easily covering a full day's workload. Safety features have also been significantly upgraded. The equipment incorporates a real-time monitoring and control system for the high-voltage circuit and battery status, earning the rigorous UL 2580 US safety certification for EV battery systems. It also boasts an IP67 rating or higher for superior dust and water resistance, ensuring reliable operation in harsh outdoor conditions exposed to heavy rain, wind, and sea breezes. The new lineup also delivers strong economic advantages. A Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis based on medium-intensity work shows that the initial price premium over diesel products can be offset within approximately 2 to 3 years. According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the global electric forklift market is projected to grow from $52.55 billion in 2026 to $67.44 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.12%. Notably, the 5-to-15-ton mid-to-large segment is expected to outpace the market with an annual growth rate of 8.21% over the same period. "Our next-generation large electric forklifts deliver performance on par with internal combustion engines, allowing companies to comply with environmental regulations without losing productivity," said an official from HD Hyundai XiteSolution. "We will continue to provide optimized electrification solutions tailored to diverse work environments and further strengthen our competitiveness in the global market."  

▶ Signs mutual sales partnership for compact construction equipment to strengthen product portfolios of both companies ▶ Targeting KRW 1.3 trillion in compact segment sales by 2030 as a new growth engine HD Construction Equipment announced on Tuesday, September 22, that it recently signed an agreement on mutual sales partnership for compact construction equipment with a global comprehensive equipment manufacturer, Manitou Group, which will help expand its compact equipment portfolio. The signing ceremony was held at Manitou Group’s headquarters in Ancenis, France, with key executives in attendance, including Moon Jae-young, President & CEO of HD Construction Equipment, and Sylvain Blaise, President & CEO of Manitou Group. Manitou Group is a worldwide manufacturer that distributes a diverse range of construction, agricultural, and industrial machinery—including telehandlers, forklifts, compact loaders, and aerial work platforms—to 140 countries under its Manitou and Gehl brands. Under this agreement, HD Construction Equipment will source compact equipment product lines from Manitou Group and sell them on a global scale. In return, Manitou Group will integrate HD Construction Equipment's compact solutions into its own lineup, expanding the product offerings for both the Manitou and Gehl brands. Through this partnership, HD Construction Equipment plans to accelerate its market expansion by enhancing its compact construction equipment lineup. Furthermore, the company aims to scale up compact equipment production and improve both product quality and cost competitiveness. By positioning compact construction equipment as a new growth driver, HD Construction Equipment aims to achieve KRW 1.3 trillion in segment sales by 2030. "This partnership is more than just enhancing our product lines; it opens up important new growth opportunities through significant market expansion," said Moon Jae-young, President & CEO of HD Construction Equipment. “By bringing together our strengths, we will boost the competitiveness of our compact products and enhance our global presence.” Sylvain Blaise, President & CEO of Manitou Group, added, “This agreement fully aligns with our strategic roadmap aimed at accelerating our growth in compact equipment ranges. By combining the industrial excellence and innovative capabilities of two major industry leaders. This alliance allows us not only to reach a new milestone in product line expansion, but also to deliver enhanced value to our dealer network and customers worldwide.”