Samsung Heavy Industries (010140) is set to participate in the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Support Ship (NGLS) design project, marking the official launch of the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation initiative known as MASGA.
The company announced on April 1 that it will collaborate with U.S. General Dynamics NASSCO and DSEC to support the NGLS project’s concept design through March 2027.
The NGLS, a key asset for the U.S. Navy’s Distributed Maritime Operations, is a compact logistics support vessel designed for high maneuverability and mission-specific operational capabilities. This strategic project is expected to yield over 13 vessels.
Samsung Heavy Industries will spearhead the high-efficiency hull design, playing a pivotal role in the project.
Leveraging technology developed at its Daejeon Daedeok Research Center, which houses a 1,312-foot towing tank, the company will design hulls that meet stringent requirements for maneuverability, supply capacity, and stability. It will also provide technical support for domestic construction.
To expand its U.S. presence, Samsung Heavy Industries is establishing a U.S.-based subsidiary and exploring opportunities in the naval maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector in partnership with Bico Shipyard.
The company is also implementing cutting-edge production technologies, such as automated piping spool systems. Furthermore, it’s strengthening its capabilities in AI-driven production automation, robotics, and green technologies through a joint research center with San Diego State University.
Samsung Heavy Industries aims to broaden its collaborative efforts to include developing a U.S.-based shipbuilding equipment cluster and workforce training programs. The company is currently pursuing certification under the Maintenance Support and Repair Agreement (MSRA).
A company spokesperson said the NGLS project would serve as a springboard for expanding its partnership with the NASSCO shipyard and accelerating tangible outcomes in its U.S. operations.
Sources indicate that the U.S. Navy plans to select multiple companies to submit design proposals for the NGLS project. In related news, Hanwha Defense USA and Hanwha Philly Shipyard previously announced a partnership with U.S.-based VARD for the concept design phase.