HMM, California Orange Transport Largest for 3 Consecutive Years

[Financial News] HMM announced on the 22nd that it has transported the most California oranges imported to Korea for three consecutive years.
According to the 'Piers Data' of the American shipping research institute JOC, the total amount of California oranges transported by HMM to Korea this year was 3062 TEU. This is followed by SM Line with 1779 TEU and Japan's ONE with 1334 TEU.
HMM recorded a market share of 25% (2380 TEU) in 2023. In 2024, it achieved a 33% (2982 TEU) increase, up 8%p from the previous year. In 2025, it expanded its market share to 37%, further strengthening its position in the market.
Most of the oranges imported to Korea are from California. They are usually transported between January and April, using 'Reefer Containers' capable of refrigeration and freezing. As they need to maintain freshness for a long time, high-level transport capabilities are required for this representative high-value cargo.
HMM has introduced the 'Ultra Freezer (Ultra Freezer, ultra-low temperature freezing at minus 60 degrees)', operated by only a few global shipping companies, to secure capabilities for transporting high-value frozen cargo. It continues to produce new Reefer Containers and invests in improving Reefer Container transport services by using IoT technology to monitor the condition of cargo in real-time.
An HMM official said, "With the recent development of maritime transport technology, high-priced items previously transported by air are expanding their routes to maritime transport," adding, "We plan to continuously discover new high-value cargo, such as Washington cherries, which will begin transportation this year."


ggg@fnnews.com Kang Gukwi Reporter