Korea : Hanjin rakes in orders

European shipowners have beaten a path to Hanjin Heavy Industries in Korea in recent months, placing orders for container ships and chemical tankers.

Vroon BV in the Netherlands has placed orders for a pair of 1,600 TEU container ships with the Korean yard, along with an order for a 30,000 dwt products tanker, plus an option for another vessel of the same type. Rickmers Reederei in Germany has ordered a quartet of 1,200 TEU container ships, while another undisclosed European owner has ordered two 5,600 TEU container ships from the yard.