HD Hyundai has agreed to establish HD Kiewit Shipbuilding with US construction and engineering company Kiewit, advancing plans for its first newly built shipyard in the United States. The companies signed the joint venture agreement in Houston on October 22. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with operations scheduled to start in 2029.
- Joint venture
- HD Kiewit Shipbuilding
- Construction target
- 2027
- Operating target
- 2029
- Planned market
- United States
The planned yard marks a greenfield approach to entering US shipbuilding. Its location has not been finalized publicly, although the southwestern United States is considered a leading option. HD Hyundai chose new construction after weighing the age, size and cost constraints associated with existing facilities, according to reports on the agreement.
A greenfield yard built around digital production
The facility is intended to operate as a smart shipyard using HD Hyundai’s digital production systems. Digital twins, automated equipment and robotic welding would connect design and production data, with the aim of improving productivity, quality and workplace safety. Automation is also expected to help address shortages of skilled shipyard workers in the United States.
HD Hyundai and Kiewit formed a strategic partnership in July 2026 and have since discussed joint vessel construction and the production of ship blocks and modules. The new venture gives those plans a dedicated US platform. HD Hyundai intends to pursue opportunities involving commercial ships, US Navy support vessels, and the supply of blocks and modules, while considering a longer-term expansion into port infrastructure.
The investment could also affect competition for future US naval work. Local shipyard investment has been discussed as a participation condition for some US warship programs, making domestic production capacity commercially significant. HD Hyundai’s project contrasts with Hanwha Ocean’s entry through an acquired US shipyard, setting up competing strategies as Korean shipbuilders seek a larger role in the American market. The next milestones are confirmation of the site, the ownership and financing arrangements, and whether the 2027 construction timetable remains on track.