Samsung Heavy Industries Partners with U.S. Shipyard to Enter U.S. Maritime Market

Samsung Heavy Industries is making significant strides in the U.S. shipbuilding sector through a newly formed partnership with Vigor Marine Group. On August 25, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Washington, D.C., aimed at enhancing the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of naval support vessels. The event was attended by prominent figures, including South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Kim Jung-kwan, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick.

Strategic Partnership for Naval Support

The collaboration between Samsung Heavy Industries and Vigor Marine Group marks a pivotal moment for both companies. Vigor Marine, a well-established U.S. shipbuilder, operates facilities certified by the U.S. Navy across Oregon, Washington, California, and Virginia. The company specializes in the maintenance, modernization, and overhaul of warships, focusing on technical MRO for naval vessels and specialized ships.

Through this partnership, Samsung Heavy Industries plans to utilize its advanced shipbuilding technologies and operational expertise to engage in U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command (MSC) MRO projects. The company aims to expand its efforts beyond naval support vessels to include commercial ships and specialized vessels. Additionally, Samsung Heavy Industries is looking to pursue joint construction projects with local shipyards in the U.S., thereby diversifying its business portfolio and enhancing its competitive edge in the market.

Cho Sung-an, CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to partner with Vigor Marine Group, the leading MRO shipbuilder in the U.S., and will strive to provide world-class MRO services. We aim to establish a foundation to support not only naval support ships but also the construction of U.S. commercial vessels.”

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Expanding Capabilities and Local Presence

Francesco Valente, CEO of Vigor Marine Group, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership, noting, “Through this partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries, we plan to strengthen our MRO capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region and explore opportunities to build U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. We are committed to contributing to strengthening U.S. naval power with the highest quality standards.”

As part of the MOU, Samsung Heavy Industries also aims to enhance its local competitiveness in the U.S. This includes plans to establish a shipbuilding component cluster, create a training center for skilled workers and sailors, and expand collaborative shipbuilding efforts with Southeast Asian shipyards. These initiatives will not only broaden Samsung’s global presence but also contribute to the development of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.