Samsung Heavy Industries Launches U.S. Research Hub
Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has partnered with San Diego State University (SDSU) to inaugurate a new research center in San Diego, California. This initiative supports the Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA) program, aiming to enhance collaboration between South Korea and the United States in shipbuilding and technology development. The center, known as the SHI-SDSU Advanced Maritime Center (SSAM), is poised to play a crucial role in revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
Strategic Location and Collaborative Goals
The SSAM center marks SHI’s first research facility in the United States, strategically located in San Diego. This city is recognized as a prime site for Korea-U.S. collaboration due to its proximity to General Dynamics NASSCO, the largest shipyard on the U.S. West Coast. The center aims to merge SHI’s advanced shipbuilding technologies with SDSU’s engineering expertise, which includes artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and eco-friendly technologies.
Wang-keun Lee, COO of SHI, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “The establishment of the joint research center in the United States marks the starting point for fully implementing MASGA, which has been long in preparation.” He expressed optimism that the center would enhance cooperation between the two nations in shipbuilding and offshore technologies.
SHI plans to create a technology cooperation framework centered around the SSAM center, collaborating with SDSU and NASSCO. This framework will explore practical measures to support the U.S. shipbuilding industry’s revitalization, focusing on AI-driven production automation, robotics, and sustainable technologies. The center will also work to strengthen local networks by identifying research projects with U.S. universities, government agencies, and relevant institutions.
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SDSU President Adela de la Torre highlighted the potential for advancing sustainable technologies through this collaboration, stating, “We look forward to advancing sustainable technologies, including AI-driven manufacturing, through collaboration between Samsung Heavy Industries and our College of Engineering.” She also noted the importance of building career pathways for future industry leaders.
Investment and Trade Agreements
In July 2025, South Korea committed $150 billion to a dedicated U.S. shipbuilding rejuvenation fund as part of a broader $350 billion bilateral trade agreement with the United States. This agreement aims to revitalize the American shipbuilding sector while securing a lower tariff rate of 15%. Prior to this, the U.S. administration had proposed imposing a 25% “reciprocal” tariff on Korean imports, set to take effect on August 1.
The trade agreement followed historic discussions between South Korean vessel construction representatives and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), marking the first time both parties explored opportunities for collaboration in shipbuilding. This partnership is expected to foster innovation and growth in the industry, benefiting both nations.
