HD Hyundai Chief Meets Philippine Defense Chief on Shipbuilding Ties
HD Hyundai, a key player in the shipbuilding industry, is intensifying its collaboration with the Philippine government to enhance naval modernization and bolster the country’s shipbuilding and defense sectors. This move comes after a recent meeting between HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Seoul on November 7.
Decade of Successful Defense Cooperation
During the meeting, both parties reflected on the fruitful decade-long partnership between HD Hyundai and the Philippines in the defense sector. They expressed mutual interest in expanding this collaboration to encompass the modernization of the Philippine navy and to enhance the competitiveness of the local shipbuilding industry.
Significant Milestones and Future Plans
Notably, the cooperation between HD Hyundai and the Philippines gained momentum in 2016 with the Philippine Navy’s initial frigate contract. HD Hyundai delivered two 2,600-ton frigates to the navy, marking the beginning of a series of successful projects. The recent inauguration of HD Hyundai Philippines’ shipyard in Subic, where the Orion Jade vessel was launched, signifies a significant milestone in the industrial partnership between the two entities. Plans are underway to further boost production capacity in alignment with local operational requirements.
Shared Strategic Importance and Ongoing Collaboration
Teodoro emphasized the strategic relevance of the collaboration with HD Hyundai for the Philippine navy’s modernization efforts and the revitalization of the local shipbuilding sector. He welcomed the expansion of HD Hyundai’s presence in the Philippines and proposed continued exploration of mutually beneficial cooperation avenues. Chung, on the other hand, highlighted the consistent support from the Philippine government and navy, underscoring the positive impact on elevating the Philippine Navy’s capabilities. Looking ahead, he expressed a commitment to exploring extended industrial cooperation beyond the current focus on commercial and naval vessel construction.
Order Wins and Deliveries
HD Hyundai’s success in securing orders for a total of 12 vessels from the Philippines, including 3,200-ton frigates and 2,400-ton offshore patrol vessels, showcases the company’s strong foothold in the market. With six vessels already delivered, HD Hyundai is poised to further strengthen its position in the region’s shipbuilding landscape.
The meeting between HD Hyundai and Philippine officials sets a promising trajectory for deeper collaboration in shipbuilding and defense, underscoring the shared commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in the maritime industry.
