HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Secures Major U.S. Navy Contract
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has announced a significant win in the U.S. Navy ship maintenance sector. On January 7, the company confirmed it has been awarded a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contract for the USNS Cesar Chavez, a 41,000-ton cargo supply ship operated by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. This contract aligns with the company’s ongoing MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative, which aims to bolster its presence in the U.S. Navy ship maintenance market.
The USNS Cesar Chavez, commissioned in 2012, measures 210 meters in length, 32 meters in width, and stands 9.4 meters tall. Maintenance work is set to commence on January 19 at a facility near HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Medium-sized Ship Business Division in Ulsan, South Korea. The company plans to conduct precision maintenance on over 100 components, including the vessel’s hull, propulsion systems, electrical systems, and auxiliary equipment. The completed work is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Navy by March 2024.
Successful Completion of Previous MRO Project
This latest contract follows HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ successful overhaul of another U.S. Navy support vessel, the USNS Alan Shepard. The Alan Shepard underwent maintenance starting last August and was delivered back to the Navy on January 6. Initially, the contract covered around 60 maintenance items, but the scope expanded to include over 100 additional tasks during the overhaul process. The company reported that the entire MRO operation proceeded smoothly, thanks to effective collaboration and timely responses.
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A U.S. Navy official expressed satisfaction with the Alan Shepard’s overhaul, noting its transformation into a high-quality vessel. The official praised HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as a reliable partner, highlighting the company’s extensive experience in conducting MRO projects globally.
Joo Won-ho, president of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and head of the Naval & Medium-sized Ship Business Division, emphasized the company’s commitment to leading the U.S. ship MRO market. He stated that the successful completion of their first U.S. Navy project showcases their advanced technology and expertise. Following a merger with HD Hyundai Mipo at the end of last year, the company aims to enhance its competitiveness by integrating existing naval technology with its facilities and workforce.
As HD Hyundai Heavy Industries continues to expand its footprint in the U.S. Navy ship maintenance sector, the company is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
