Samsung Heavy Industries announced on Thursday that executives from General Dynamics NASSCO visited its shipyard in Geoje on Wednesday. The visit focused on discussing practical cooperation between the two companies, including the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Support Ship (NGLS) project.
Key executives attending the meeting included Samsung Heavy Industries Vice Chairman Choi Sung-an, NASSCO President David J. Carver, and Brett Herschman, Director of Business Development and Government Relations.
The visit aimed to ensure the successful execution of the NGLS project while expanding collaboration from design to automation technology. NASSCO officials expressed confidence that Samsung Heavy Industries’ advanced technology would play a crucial role in the conceptual design and construction processes.
Samsung Heavy Industries plans to strengthen cooperation throughout the entire process, from design to construction. This approach aims to meet U.S. Navy requirements while establishing an efficient construction system. Both companies also agreed to expand their collaboration in automation and modernization technologies.
During the site visit, Samsung showcased its smart shipbuilding technologies, including a digital twin-based internal operations factory and a safety and painting virtual experience (VR) experience center. The company is currently working on establishing a 24-hour operational shipyard based on automation and unmanned technologies.
Through this partnership, Samsung Heavy Industries aims to expand its role beyond ship design and construction, positioning itself as a solution provider. The company also plans to extend cooperation into the U.S. commercial shipping market in the future.
Vice Chairman Choi Sung-an stated that this visit has further strengthened our strategic partnership. The fusion of our technologies will contribute significantly to the advancement of the shipbuilding industry.
NASSCO, a General Dynamics subsidiary, is a full-service shipyard on the U.S. West Coast capable of designing, constructing, and repairing vessels. The company has delivered over 150 support ships and commercial vessels to the U.S. Navy. Currently, NASSCO is working on designs for the John Lewis-class oilers (T-AO) and the next-generation submarine support ship (AS-X).