South Korean shipbuilders speed up U.S. warship bids amid growing cooperation

South Korean shipbuilding companies are intensifying their efforts following indications that the United States may approve the construction of warships by overseas shipyards. This potential shift could significantly boost the Korean shipbuilding industry's involvement in U.S. defense projects.

Hanwha's U.S. subsidiary, Philadelphia Shipyard, has already secured a contract to build a "maritime missile test measurement ship" for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Hanwha announced on July 18 that Philadelphia Shipyard, in collaboration with U.S. vessel management company Tot Services, was selected as the supplier for this vessel. The ship's role involves tracking missile trajectories, collecting data, and supporting the analysis of communication test results.

In parallel, HD Hyundai announced on July 19 that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kiewit, a U.S. engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm. This partnership aims to foster cooperation in shipbuilding and potentially collaborate on the joint construction of vessels or the production of ship block modules within the United States.

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Can you quickly build 10 U.S. warships?

The increased activity comes as the U.S. government has been inquiring about the shipbuilding capabilities of South Korean companies, including HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean, for potential warship construction. This has fueled speculation that the "MASGA" project, aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry, may accelerate.

Reports indicate that the U.S. Department of Defense has requested information from these shipyards regarding their capacity to build vessels such as combat support ships. Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly asked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the G7 summit in France about the possibility of rapidly constructing 10 U.S. warships, to which President Lee responded affirmatively. While the U.S. "Burns-Tollefson Act" generally prohibits overseas construction of U.S. Navy vessels, Trump has shown openness to utilizing South Korean shipyards, prompting discussions between the U.S. government and South Korea regarding potential revisions to the act or executive orders to facilitate such projects.

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Of course, it is possible, and we will do our best.