Seoul: HD Hyundai, South Korea's leading shipbuilding group, announced its historic achievement of becoming the world's first shipbuilder to deliver 5,000 vessels, a milestone reached 50 years after its first ship delivery.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 5,000th vessel, the Diego Silang, was delivered last month and is the second offshore patrol vessel constructed for the Philippine Navy. This ship is part of a 10-vessel order from the Philippines, as detailed in the company's press release.

HD Hyundai's shipbuilding journey began in 1974 with the delivery of its first vessel, the 260,000-ton oil tanker Atlantic Baron. Since then, the company has supplied ships to over 70 shipping companies across 68 countries.

Chung Ki-sun, Chairman of HD Hyundai, commented on the achievement, stating, "The delivery of 5,000 ships reflects a history of challenges that transformed the global maritime industry. Building on this achievement, we will move toward the next 5,000 vessels and the next 50 years."

HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE), a subholding unit of HD Hyundai, has secured $14.24 billion in orders this year, achieving 78.9 percent of its annual target of $18.05 billion. HD KSOE manages three shipyards: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., and HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Furthermore, HD Hyundai Mipo is set to merge with HD Hyundai Heavy next month.