Maritime Industry Briefing: Union Maritime Eyes VLGC Market; Pacifico Energy Korea Advances Offshore Wind Supply Chain

## Union Maritime Enters VLGC Segment with HD Hyundai Newbuilding Order Diversified UK shipowner Union Maritime is expanding its newbuilding programme into the very large gas carrier sector for the first time, according to Splash247. Market sources and shipping data platforms have linked the Laurent Cadji-led company to an order for two VLGC or VLAC newbuildings placed at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, with the pair valued at approximately $234 million. The move marks a significant strategic pivot for Union Maritime, which has been steadily broadening its fleet profile through a series of newbuilding commitments. Entry into the VLGC segment positions the company to capitalise on robust demand for liquefied petroleum gas and ammonia transportation — sectors that have attracted considerable investor interest as global energy transition dynamics reshape commodity trade flows. VLGCs have remained in strong demand as LPG exports from the United States continue to grow and as ammonia emerges as a potential clean fuel carrier, making newbuilding slots at major Korean yards increasingly competitive. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is among the world's leading builders of gas carriers, lending credibility to the reported order. --- ## Pacifico Energy Korea Secures Local Supply MOU for Jindo Offshore Wind Project In the offshore energy sector, US-based developer Pacifico Energy Korea has signed a memorandum of understanding with three regional suppliers to support the development of the 3.2GW Jindo offshore wind cluster in the Gwangyang Bay area, Splash247 reports. The agreement brings together Pacifico Energy Korea, steel tube manufacturer EEW KHPC, marine logistics provider KMC Line, and CS Energy in a local content partnership designed to strengthen the South Korean supply chain for one of the country's most ambitious offshore wind projects. The Jindo cluster represents a major milestone in South Korea's push to scale up its offshore wind capacity as part of broader national decarbonisation targets. By anchoring supply agreements with Gwangyang Bay-area firms, Pacifico Energy Korea signals a commitment to local economic integration — a factor that is increasingly important for securing regulatory approvals and community support in large-scale offshore energy developments. The MOU reflects a wider industry trend of offshore wind developers locking in supply chain partnerships at an early stage to manage procurement risk and meet local content requirements, particularly as competition for specialised vessels, foundations, and logistics services intensifies across Asian markets. --- *Sources: Splash247*