HD Hyundai is joining forces with Kiewit, America’s largest construction, engineering, and infrastructure firm, to establish a joint venture. Their ambitious plan includes building the HD Kiewit Shipbuilding facility, set to commence operations in 2029.
The venture will initially focus on military support vessels and commercial ships, with plans to expand its local business scope and accelerate the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project, known as Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA).
On Thursday, HD Hyundai announced the signing of a contract with Kiewit to form the shipbuilding joint venture.
This follows a strategic partnership formed in July, where both companies agreed to collaborate on joint vessel construction and the production of ship blocks and modules in the U.S.
Key executives from both companies attended the contract signing ceremony in Houston, including Choi Han-nae, head of planning at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, and Chad Johnson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kiewit Maritime.
The name HD Kiewit Shipbuilding embodies the fusion of HD Hyundai’s world-class technology and shipyard expertise with Kiewit’s prowess in large-scale production and construction. Their goal: to create a shipyard that sets new standards for the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
Kiewit, the U.S.’s largest integrated construction and engineering firm, excels in major Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects across power, energy, marine, and industrial sectors. They have an impressive track record in fabricating, installing, and commissioning large marine structures throughout the Americas.
HD Kiewit Shipbuilding plans to construct a state-of-the-art smart shipyard on U.S. soil. The project is slated to break ground in 2027, aiming for full operations by 2029.
This venture is particularly significant as it involves building a new shipyard from scratch, rather than reviving an existing facility. The new shipyard is expected to bolster U.S. shipbuilding capacity and play a crucial role in revitalizing the nation’s shipbuilding industry.
Once operational, the shipyard is projected to create approximately 3,000 local jobs. HD Hyundai is committed to workforce development through technical training and strengthening the domestic supply chain.
The new facility will pioneer HD Hyundai’s Future of Shipyard (FoS) model and digital production technologies in the U.S. HD Hyundai envisions a smart shipyard where every process, from design to production, is data-driven, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like digital twins, automated systems, and robotic welding.
HD Kiewit Shipbuilding will explore opportunities in military support vessels and commercial shipping, while also considering the production and supply of ship components to other U.S. shipyards. Future plans include expanding into port infrastructure projects.
Choi Han-nae, head of planning, stated that the launch of HD Kiewit Shipbuilding marks a crucial milestone, showcasing HD Hyundai’s commitment as a strategic partner in revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry. It’s pooling the resources to contribute to this revival and strengthen Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation.
Chad Johnson, CEO of Kiewit Maritime, expressed optimism about the venture, saying that this collaboration presents an exciting opportunity to establish a modern shipyard in the U.S., leveraging HD Hyundai’s world-class shipbuilding expertise.
