UK's Princess Anne visits HD Hyundai shipyard, recalling historical ties

Princess Anne, known as the Princess Royal, visited the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, continuing a tradition of British royal visits to the company.

Her visit on March 14, accompanied by her husband Sir Timothy Laurence and the British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks, followed her morning tour of the British Commonwealth War Cemetery in Busan. At the Ulsan shipyard, she was welcomed by HD Hyundai's leadership, including Chairman Chung Ki-sun, and received briefings on shipbuilding technology and operations. The visit underscored ongoing collaborations with British defense companies Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, which supply key components like marine gas turbine engines and survival equipment for naval vessels.

Princess Anne's visit also evoked the historical origins of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Chairman Chung Ki-sun reminded the Princess that "Britain is not just a partner but a special partner who shared the beginning of HD Hyundai." This refers to the famous anecdote from 1971 when founder Chung Ju-yung secured a $43 million loan from Britain by showing a 500-won Korean banknote depicting the Turtle Ship, a 16th-century Korean ironclad warship. He persuaded the British shipbuilder by highlighting Korea's early advancements in naval technology.

While the UK was once a shipbuilding powerhouse, it has largely shifted its focus to specialized vessels like warships, maintaining its industry presence amidst global competition from Japan, South Korea, and China. The UK is now prioritizing national shipbuilding strategies to enhance competitiveness and productivity. Princess Anne, who previously served on the British equestrian team and held positions in the International Olympic Committee, also met with President Lee Jae-myung earlier in the day before departing South Korea on March 15.

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Britain is not just a partner but a special partner who shared the beginning of HD Hyundai. We will contribute to the development of the British shipbuilding and marine industries based on the best technology and shipbuilding capabilities.