HD Hyundai Champions U.S. Naval Revitalization
GYEONGJU, South Korea, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) — HD Hyundai Co., a leading shipbuilding conglomerate in South Korea, has pledged to significantly contribute to the revitalization of the U.S. naval and commercial shipbuilding sectors. In a keynote address at the Future Tech Forum, Chairman Chung Ki-sun emphasized the company’s commitment to the U.S.’s maritime vision, which includes initiatives for a next-generation fleet and the reconstruction of shipyards. This announcement comes during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit, highlighting the importance of Korea-U.S. collaboration in the shipbuilding industry.
Strengthening U.S.-Korea Shipbuilding Ties
During his first official appearance as chairman, Chung underscored the significance of the partnership between South Korea and the United States, encapsulated in the slogan “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA). HD Hyundai is currently exploring opportunities to enter the U.S. market, which may include equity investments and potential acquisitions of local shipyards. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s presence in the U.S. and enhance bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding.
In April, HD Hyundai signed a strategic partnership agreement with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), the largest defense shipbuilder in the U.S. This collaboration focuses on technology sharing and the joint construction of naval vessels. Chung expressed enthusiasm about participating in America’s maritime renaissance, stating, “We aim to move forward together for the security and development of both nations.” This partnership is expected to foster innovation and strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries.
Collaborative Innovations in Maritime Technology
The Future Tech Forum, attended by approximately 600 officials from government, military, and the shipbuilding industry, served as a platform for enhancing global business partnerships. Representatives from HII and Anduril Industries Inc. were present, emphasizing the forum’s role in fostering collaboration in maritime technology. HD Hyundai is set to accelerate its cooperation with U.S. defense firm Anduril to develop unmanned surface vessels (USVs), following a memorandum of agreement signed in August.
In addition to its partnership with Anduril, HD Hyundai plans to expand joint research and development efforts with HII, focusing on advanced technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). The companies are also working together to establish a comprehensive lifecycle support and maintenance system for naval assets. Recently, they signed a memorandum of agreement to collaborate on the design and construction of the U.S. Navy’s next-generation logistics support ship, further solidifying their commitment to enhancing maritime capabilities.
