HD Hyundai has signed an agreement with US construction, engineering and infrastructure company Kiewit to establish a shipbuilding joint venture. The agreement was concluded in Houston, according to the company announcement reported by Gyeongsang Ilbo. The partners named the venture HD KIEWIT SHIPBUILDING, advancing cooperation that began with a strategic partnership signed in July.
- Joint venture
- HD KIEWIT SHIPBUILDING
- Construction target
- 2027
- Operations target
- 2029
- Projected employment
- About 3,000 local jobs
The venture plans to build a new smart shipyard on an industrial site in the United States rather than acquire an existing aging yard. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with full operations planned for 2029. The reported plan did not specify the site or investment amount, leaving major details of the development still to be disclosed.
HD Hyundai expects the operating shipyard to support about 3,000 local jobs. The company also plans to develop its workforce through technical training and strengthen the US shipbuilding supply chain. Those measures are intended to address labor needs while expanding domestic capacity for ship construction and component production.
Digital production anchors the new yard
The planned facility will apply HD Hyundai’s future shipyard model and digital production technologies. Digital twins, automated production systems and robotic welding are expected to connect design and manufacturing through data-based operations. The partners say this approach is intended to improve productivity, quality and safety while reducing the constraints created by shortages of skilled workers.
HD KIEWIT SHIPBUILDING will explore opportunities involving US Navy logistics support vessels and commercial ships. It will also consider producing ship blocks and modules for other American yards. The project combines HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology and operating experience with Kiewit’s large-scale fabrication and construction capabilities, but its execution will depend on further details including the final site, financing, construction schedule and initial orders.