HD Hyundai and Kiewit have recently signed an agreement to build a new shipyard in the United States. This project, known as HD Kiewit Shipbuilding, is scheduled to commence in 2027 at a location yet to be announced.
Project Details and Objectives
This new shipyard is part of HD Hyundai's strategic efforts to strengthen the domestic shipbuilding industry in the United States. It is expected that this center will play a significant role in the local job market by creating around 3,000 new jobs. The new shipyard will be equipped with HD Hyundai's future production model, including digital twins, automated manufacturing, and robotic welding.
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The main goal of this shipyard is to build support vessels for the United States Navy as well as commercial shipbuilding contracts. Additionally, HD Hyundai has been exploring the production of blocks and modules for other American shipyards.
Next Steps and Future Investments
This agreement deepens HD Hyundai's connections with Washington's efforts to revive domestic shipbuilding and contributes to South Korea's $150 billion maritime investment. The Korean group is continuously expanding its American partnerships. In July, HD Hyundai signed an agreement with Fraser Industries to modernize shipyards in the Great Lakes, and in August, witnessed the start of a pilot project for automated welding with Huntington Ingalls Industries at the Ingalls shipyard in Mississippi.
Furthermore, HD Hyundai has collaborated with Tampa Ship from Edison Chouest Offshore to develop LNG dual-fuel container ships built in the United States, leveraging its expertise in design, supply, and construction. The company's robotics division also received orders earlier this year to supply automated welding systems to Chouest's facilities in North America and Brazil.
Unlike the acquisition of Philly Shipyard by its compatriot Hanwha, HD Hyundai is pursuing the development of new shipyards alongside upgrading existing American facilities.
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