Samsung Heavy Industries Deepens US Shipbuilding Ties
Samsung Heavy Industries, a leading player in the shipbuilding industry, recently solidified its position as a key partner in the reconstruction of the US shipbuilding sector. The company signed a significant strategic business cooperation agreement with Saronic Technologies in Washington D.C. on July 23, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing ship construction technology and smart shipyard operation expertise.
Driving Technological Advancements in Shipbuilding
During the opening ceremony of the Korea-US Shipbuilding Cooperation Center (KUSPC) at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C., Samsung Heavy Industries inked multiple business cooperation agreements with local entities. This event, attended by prominent political and government figures from Korea and the US, showcased the technological prowess of major Korean shipbuilding companies.
One notable achievement in the eco-friendly vessel domain is the Approval in Principle (AiP) received by Samsung Heavy Industries from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a 12,000㎥-class LNG bunkering vessel developed in collaboration with Conrad Shipyard. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to innovative design and construction capabilities.
Pioneering Unmanned Surface Vessels and Workforce Development
In a strategic move towards advancing maritime technology, Samsung Heavy Industries partnered with Saronic Technologies to explore intelligent solutions for unmanned vessels. This collaboration extends to developing production infrastructure and enhancing shipyard operations through cutting-edge technology.
Furthermore, the company is spearheading a workforce training initiative in the US by joining forces with Vigor Marine Group to establish a training center in the Pacific Northwest region. The center will offer specialized programs in welding and painting utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to cultivate skilled workers in the shipbuilding industry.
Accelerating Research and Development Initiatives
Samsung Heavy Industries is ramping up joint research and development efforts with academia to drive technological innovation. Collaborating with prestigious institutions like UCLA and the University of Texas at Dallas, the company aims to develop advanced systems such as an ‘AI-based stainless steel spool manufacturing system’ and virtual education platforms tailored for the maritime sector.
Choi Seong-an, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries, expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to revolutionize shipbuilding cooperation with the US. He emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its world-class technological capabilities to usher in a new era of excellence in the Korea-US shipbuilding and maritime industry.
