This partnership aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and facilitate the transfer of world-class expertise.
HD Hyundai has officially commenced on-site initiatives for its groundbreaking joint shipbuilding operations in the United States, marking a significant step in Korea-U.S. industrial cooperation. The announcement came on Wednesday, July 23, following a productive two-day visit to Korea by a delegation from its U.S. shipbuilding partner, Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO), to discuss the detailed blueprint for jointly constructing container vessels on American soil.
Led by CEO Dino Chouest, a contingent of over ten key executives and engineers from ECO arrived in Korea on Tuesday, July 22b, concluding their visit today. The primary objective of their trip was to gain firsthand insight into the advanced technological capabilities and shipbuilding expertise that position HD Hyundai as a global leader. Their itinerary included comprehensive tours of HD Hyundai's Global R&D Center, as well as the bustling shipyards of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo.
This recent engagement builds upon an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June, which formalized a strategic and comprehensive partnership between the two maritime giants. Under the terms of the MOU, HD Hyundai and ECO committed to the joint construction of medium-sized container vessels at ECO's shipyard by 2028. The collaboration is poised to extend beyond specific ship types, with plans to include port cranes—a sector deemed critical for national security considerations.
Prior to the ECO delegation's visit, HD Hyundai had already dispatched a team of over ten experts to ECO's shipyard last month.
During their visit to HD Hyundai's Global R&D Center in Gyeonggi on Tuesday, the ECO delegation received an in-depth briefing on HD Hyundai's cutting-edge technologies and formidable shipbuilding capabilities. They also explored the Digital Insight Center, observing the real-time operational status of HD Hyundai-built vessels globally. A key focus of their discussions revolved around the practical application of automation solutions and robotic welding technologies in shipyards, acknowledging the necessity of strengthening local infrastructure and production capabilities to expand joint shipbuilding efforts in the U.S.
On Wednesday, the ECO delegation journeyed to Ulsan to tour the extensive shipyards of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo. Here, they meticulously observed shipbuilding sites, boarded large container vessels, and closely examined HD Hyundai's intricate design and production processes, efficient dock operation and management methods, and sophisticated automation systems.
