HD Hyundai Poised to Operate New Shipyard in Morocco
As the Morocco National Ports Agency nears the selection of an operator for its new shipyard in Casablanca, HD Hyundai is emerging as the frontrunner. Local media reports indicate that the South Korean company has a significant advantage in the operator selection process, with an announcement expected soon. This development marks a crucial step for HD Hyundai as it aims to diversify its overseas production bases.
The Casablanca shipyard project is ambitious, aiming to establish Africa’s largest shipyard, covering an area of 210,000 square meters. If HD Hyundai secures the operator status, it will have the opportunity to operate the facility for the next 30 years. This shipyard will not only focus on ship construction but will also provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for naval vessels. The strategic importance of this project cannot be overstated, as it positions HD Hyundai to enhance its presence in the African market.
Strategic Partnerships and Global Expansion
To bolster its bid for the Casablanca shipyard, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has formed a consortium with Somajec, a local Moroccan engineering firm. This partnership is expected to strengthen their proposal and enhance the project’s local engagement. The collaboration reflects HD Hyundai’s commitment to integrating local expertise into its operations, which is essential for the success of such a large-scale project.
HD Hyundai’s expansion strategy is not limited to Morocco. The company is actively establishing production bases in rapidly growing markets across Southeast Asia and India. In the Philippines, HD Hyundai is leasing the Subic shipyard, while in Vietnam, it has launched HD Hyundai Ecovina, a facility acquired from Doosan Enerbility. This facility specializes in producing core equipment for eco-friendly ships, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant modules.
Wärtsilä renews its partnership with ONEE for the maintenance of two power plants in Morocco
Furthermore, HD Hyundai has signed a business agreement with Cochin Shipyard, India’s largest state-owned shipbuilder, and is pursuing the construction of a joint shipyard with the Tamil Nadu state government. These initiatives underscore HD Hyundai’s strategy to reduce costs and secure an early market presence in emerging economies.
An industry official noted that securing production bases in Africa would significantly enhance HD Hyundai’s diversification strategy. This move is aimed at reducing operational costs while establishing a foothold in rapidly growing markets. As HD Hyundai continues to expand its global footprint, the outcome of the Casablanca shipyard operator selection will be a pivotal moment in its international growth trajectory.
