Korea Line wins 72 billion won Posco Flow freight deal to ship raw materials

Korea Line (005880) signed a 72 billion won ($53.0 million) long-term shipping contract with POSCO Flow, running until January 2030. The deal, 5.63% of last year's revenue, involves transporting iron ore and coal. This follows similar contracts with Hyundai Glovis and Zhejiang Shipping, strengthening Korea Line's revenue structure and reducing its debt-to-equity ratio to 64%.

South Korea's battery industry is shifting focus to sodium and all-solid-state batteries for 2030, with a 400 billion won R&D program. The government aims to commercialize sodium batteries at 220 Wh/kg and all-solid-state at 400 Wh/kg by 2030. Companies like LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, and SK On are involved, with private sector investing 8 trillion won. LFP batteries currently support revenue, with L&F signing a 160 billion won supply deal with SK On.

POSCO E&C has expanded its apartment remodeling business in South Korea, securing projects worth 14.3 trillion won. The company reported improved profitability in H1 2026, with operating profit of 97.4 billion won, reversing a loss from the prior year. It is leveraging advanced technologies like 3D scanning and BIM to enhance its remodeling capabilities.

Posco Future M signed a KRW1.1 trillion (US$810 million) deal with SK On for LFP cathode materials supply from 2027 to 2029. The agreement covers the production of materials for electric vehicle batteries.

POSCO, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and Hanwha Ocean face labor disputes as unions demand higher wages and performance-based rewards. POSCO's union seeks a 7.1% base pay increase, while the company offers 2%. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean also have stalled negotiations. Samsung Heavy Industries settled its wage talks, offering a potential model for others.

POSCO Group has started selling Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, appointing Deloitte Anjin as advisor. The course, owned by POSCO Wide, is part of the group's strategy to divest non-core assets. POSCO has raised 2.2 trillion won from restructuring initiatives. The sale could set a new valuation benchmark for golf courses in Korea.