South Korean shipbuilders expand U.S. operations amid industry revival

South Korean shipbuilders are actively participating in the U.S. initiative to revitalize its shipbuilding sector. Companies like Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai are increasing their local operations, focusing on specialized vessel orders and manufacturing partnerships.

Hanwha Ocean secured a contract to construct a missile range instrumentation vessel (MRIV) for the U.S. Maritime Administration. This vessel will support the U.S.'s next-generation air missile defense system, 'Golden Dome,' by tracking missile trajectories and collecting data. Hanwha will handle construction, with TOTE Services managing the project schedule and costs. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2030.

HD Hyundai has also strengthened its U.S. network by signing a strategic partnership agreement with Kievit, a major U.S. construction and engineering firm. The collaboration aims to explore opportunities for joint ship construction in the U.S. and cooperate on producing ship blocks and modules locally. HD Hyundai previously signed similar agreements with Huntington Ingalls and Edison Chouest Offshore last year.

An HD Hyundai representative stated, "Through our cooperation with Kievit, we plan to actively support the U.S.'s efforts to rebuild its shipbuilding industry." The company also intends to expand this partnership into the floating data center sector, seeking business opportunities in the North American infrastructure market.

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Through our cooperation with Kievit, we plan to actively support the U.S.'s efforts to rebuild its shipbuilding industry.