HD Hyundai Hosts Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Expert Forum

In a significant step towards enhancing maritime cooperation, HD Hyundai hosted the inaugural Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Expert Forum on June 24 at its Global R&D Center in Pangyo, South Korea. This event brought together approximately 40 experts from both nations to discuss strategies for collaboration in the shipbuilding sector, following a memorandum of understanding signed last July aimed at fostering educational ties between the two countries. The forum marks a pivotal moment for the shipbuilding industry as it seeks to strengthen alliances and share technological advancements.

Key Discussions and Collaborative Efforts

The forum was a collaborative effort involving HD Hyundai, Seoul National University, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. It was notable for being the first gathering of experts from South Korea and the United States since the new government took office. Attendees included Andrew Gately, minister-counselor for commercial affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, and Lee Seung-ryeol, director general of industrial policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The event also featured professors from seven South Korean universities, including Seoul National University and KAIST, alongside naval architecture and ocean engineering experts from six U.S. institutions, such as the University of Michigan and MIT.

HD Hyundai Expresses Strong Interest in U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Cooperation

During his opening remarks, Chung Ki-sun, vice chairman of HD Hyundai, emphasized the importance of this cooperation, stating, “This will be a starting point for a true maritime alliance where Korea and the U.S. share technology and vision in the shipbuilding and maritime fields.” He called for a united effort towards the development and prosperity of both nations’ shipbuilding industries. Keynote speaker Prof. David Singer from the University of Michigan highlighted the impressive capabilities of the South Korean shipbuilding industry, noting the critical need for talent development to revitalize the sector in the U.S.

The afternoon session focused on sharing educational curricula related to shipbuilding and ocean engineering, fostering discussions on operational cases. Participants recognized the necessity for joint educational initiatives to cultivate talent in both countries. The forum concluded on June 25 with plans to address joint research topics, including advancements in smart shipyards.

Future Collaborations and Visits

Prior to the forum, U.S. participants toured the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries headquarters in Ulsan on June 23. This visit included an exploration of merchant and special shipyards, along with insights into smart shipyard construction and autonomous ship technology. The successful forum sets the stage for the second Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Expert Forum, which is scheduled to take place in the United States in October 2023, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations in the maritime industry.